by The Trek
From the Appalachian Trail to the Pacific Crest and everything in between. Backpacker Radio is a show all about the wonderful world that is thru-hiking and long distance backpacking. Co-hosts, Zach "Badger" Davis and Juliana "Chaunce" Chauncey muse on the backpacking life and the latest from the trail every other week. Topics include but are not limited to news, trail culture, interviews, gear, advice, and all you can eat buffets.
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April 14, 2025
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we’re joined by Maytal Agasi, known on trail as Carrot Top. In this episode, we learn how a road trip in a mid-size SUV with her two brothers sparked Carrot Top’s entry into the world of thru-hiking. She shares how she benefitted massively from both solo and group thru-hikes. We chat about her time on the JMT, Colorado Trail, and PCT, and we take a deeper dive into her most recent trek on the Camino de Costa Rica, covering standout cultural elements, landscape highlights, the incredibly muggy weather, rich wildlife (including venomous snakes and sloths), managing language barriers, unique logistical challenges, and more.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A quick note: I made a big time dumb guy mistake. About 30 minutes into the interview, I realized our audio recorder wasn’t rolling. The first 36 minutes of the interview have lower audio quality than usual. That portion still offers important context about Maytal’s journey into the outdoors, but if it’s too distracting, the audio quality improves at the 36-minute mark of the interview.</span></p> <p><strong>Trigger warning</strong><span style= "font-weight: 400;">: This interview includes discussion of suicide. If this is a sensitive topic for you, we recommend skipping ahead to the point where the audio improves—again 36 minutes into the interview.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We wrap the show with another clue about our super secret special guest for the upcoming live podcast in Austin, what ridiculous outfit we’d hike in forever, the Triple Crown of Colorado stereotypes, and a disturbing story of an international hiker who was detained, deported, and banned from the U.S. on her way to hike the Arizona Trail.</span></p> <p><strong>Topo Athletic:</strong> <span style= "font-weight: 400;">Use code “TREKWINTER15” at</span> <a href= "https://www.topoathletic.com/"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">topoathletic.com</span></a><span style= "font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><strong>Gossamer Gear:</strong> <span style= "font-weight: 400;">Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off packs at</span> <a href= "https://gossamergear.com/?rfsn=2017538.0cd2c9"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">gossamergear.com</span></a><span style= "font-weight: 400;">. </span></p> <p><strong>Vaer Watches</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">: Check out Vaer Watches at</span> <a href= "https://www.vaerwatches.com/?utm_source=backpackerradio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=april25"> <span style= "font-weight: 400;">vaerwatches.com</span></a><span style= "font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><strong>AG1</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">: Get your free $79 gift at</span> <a href= "https://drinkag1.com/partner/partnerships-adventureseekers-general?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=partnerships&utm_campaign=backpackerradio_d35ct__a9964__o27&utm_term=cac__a9964__o27&utm_content=Health__a9964__o27"> <span style= "font-weight: 400;">drinkag1.com/backpacker</span></a><span style= "font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">[divider]</span></p> <p><strong>Interview with Maytal “Carrottop” Agasi</strong></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href= "https://www.instagram.com/carrot_toppp/"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Maytal's Instagram</span></a></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href= "https://www.caminodecostarica.org/the-trail"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Camino de Costa Rica</span></a></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Time stamps & Questions</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:06:10 -</span> <strong>Reminders:</strong> <a href= "https://thetrek.us1.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=a390119c39d0193a621329ae5&id=e17c3c8d7e"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Sign up for the Trek’s newsletter</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">,</span> <a href= "https://www.eventbrite.com/e/backpacker-radio-podcast-tickets-1126312122879"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">join us for our live show in Austin</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">,</span> <a href= "https://www.patreon.com/backpackerradio"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, and</span> <a href= "https://thetrek.co/thru-hiker-resources/apply-to-be-a-blogger-vlogger-the-trek/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">apply to blog for the Trek</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">!</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:10:00 - Audio note</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:12:10 - Introducing Maytal</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:15:30 - How did you get your trail name?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:16:05 - What does a garden educator do?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:17:24 - What is the best plant?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:19:40 - How did you get into hiking?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:21:23 - Why don’t you fight with your siblings?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:24:00 - Discussion about Maytal’s roadtrip</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:25:23 - Are your parents hippie-adjacent?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:27:08 - What’s your favorite on-trail meal to make?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:30:50 - Do you taste the meals before dehydrating them?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:32:44 - How did you decide to hike the JMT?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:34:10 - What happened to your dad?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:38:30 - How do you process things as well as enjoy the trail while hiking?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:40:50 - Was it intimidating to hike mostly solo on your first hike?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:46:17 - Are there any fats that are safe to dehydrate?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:46:55 - Did you know right away you wanted to do more hikes?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:49:45 - Have you butt heads with anyone on trail?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:52:00 - How did you get your gear dialed in for the JMT?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:55:00 - Discussion about stool sample tests</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:57:45 - Were you happy to hike the CT with a friend or did you ever want space?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">01:00:50 - What did you like about Salida?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">01:03:03 - When did you decide to hike the PCT?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">01:05:30 - Tell us about almost falling off a mountain</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">01:10:35 - What was it like to go through the Sierra twice?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">01:12:45 - How did you learn about the Camino de Costa Rica?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">01:15:57 - Are guides required?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">01:16:50 - How long is the trail and what is the mileage like each day?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">01:20:30 - Do you pay the host families?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">01:23:40 - How did you communicate that you were vegetarian?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">01:24:50 - Did you have cell service?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">01:26:00 - Do you know how many people have hiked this trail?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">01:28:30 - What was the weather like?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">01:30:25 - What were the landscape highlights of the trail?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">01:38:00 - Discussion about wildlife</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">01:41:05 - Were there other opportunities to eat in town?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">01:42:12 - What are the biggest cultural differences?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">01:45:55 - What would you like to relay to the listeners of Backpacker Radio?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">01:47:38 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance-enhancing or backpacking hack?</span></p> <p><strong>Segments</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Trek Propaganda</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href= "https://thetrek.co/20-trek-bloggers-you-should-be-following-in-2025/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">20 Trek Bloggers You Should Be Following in 2025</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">by Jess</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href= "https://thetrek.co/a-german-thru-hiker-has-been-detained-deported-and-banned-from-the-us-without-a-hearing-heres-what-you-need-to-know/?ref=slider"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">A German Thru-Hiker Has Been Detained, Deported, and Banned From the US Without a Hearing: Here’s What You Need To Know</span></a> <span style= "font-weight: 400;">by Caitlin Hardee</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">QOTD: If you could only hike in one ridiculous outfit for the rest of your life, what would it be?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Triple Crown of Colorado stereotypes</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Thing of the Week</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mail Bag</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">5 Star Review</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">[divider]</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Check out our sound guy</span> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/my_boy_pauly/"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">@my_boy_pauly/</span></a> <span style= "font-weight: 400;">and</span> <a href= "https://ommcr.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">his coffee</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><a href= "https://thetrek.us1.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=a390119c39d0193a621329ae5&id=e17c3c8d7e"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Sign up for the Trek’s newsletter</span></a></p> <p><a href="https://www.speakpipe.com/BackpackerRadio"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Leave us a voicemail!</span></a></p> <p><a href= "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/backpacker-radio/id1339028551"> <strong>Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes</strong></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">(and please leave us a review)! Find us on</span> <a href= "https://open.spotify.com/show/5FO5edVqPbDcny0ja8kF4d"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Spotify</span></a><span style= "font-weight: 400;">,</span> <a href= "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/backpacker-radio-by-the-trek/backpacker-radio"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Stitcher</span></a><span style= "font-weight: 400;">, and</span> <a href= "https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Iiacyqmtlnhu4z3vkaeskn4odga"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Google Play</span></a><span style= "font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <h4><a href= "https://www.patreon.com/backpackerradio"><strong>Support us on Patreon</strong></a> <strong>to get bonus content.</strong></h4> <p><a href= "https://thetrek.co/advertise-on-backpacker-radio-podcast/"><strong> Advertise on Backpacker Radio</strong></a></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Follow</span> <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/thetrek.co/"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">The Trek</span></a><span style= "font-weight: 400;">,</span> <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/juliana_chauncey/"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Chaunce</span></a><span style= "font-weight: 400;">,</span> <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/zrdavis"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Badger</span></a><span style= "font-weight: 400;">, and</span> <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/trailcorrespondents/"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Trail Correspondents</span></a> <span style= "font-weight: 400;">on</span> <strong>Instagram</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Follow</span> <a href= "https://www.youtube.com/@backpackerradio"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Backpacker Radio</span></a><span style= "font-weight: 400;">,</span> <a href= "https://www.youtube.com/user/apptrials"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">The Trek</span></a> <span style= "font-weight: 400;">and</span> <a href= "https://www.youtube.com/user/julianachauncey"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Chaunce</span></a> <span style= "font-weight: 400;">on</span> <strong>YouTube.</strong></p> <p><strong>Follow</strong> <a href= "https://www.tiktok.com/@backpackerradio?lang=en"><strong>Backpacker Radio</strong></a> <strong>on Tik Tok. </strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Our theme song is</span> <a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/2op5uvEvzAE5TXH12Mo1hl"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Walking Slow</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">by</span> <a href="https://www.animalyearsmusic.com/"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Animal Years</span></a><span style= "font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">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, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Eathan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Alsop, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, 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.</span></p>
April 7, 2025
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by author, backpacker, and our resident alien expert, Mike Clelland. We made an honest attempt to discuss ultralight backpacking during this one, and although we do touch on the subject some, the bulk of this conversation is dedicated to owls, aliens, and all things paranormal activity. Mike has become the preeminent expert of the interplay between owls and UFO citings, which may not sound like a thing, however Mike has accrued a lifetime of stories from folks who have experiences that say that it is. If owls and aliens don't sound like your jam, we encourage you to give this one a shot, as Mike's long standing intense passion for these subjects turns out to be awfully contagious; Chaunce and I are thoroughly entertained. We also discuss the pros and cons of traditional vs. self-publishing, which Mike has done both, but really this is mostly aliens and owls. </span></p> <p><strong>Warning</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">: This episode includes discussions of rape, death, and child loss in the context of aliens. If any of these topics are triggering, we encourage you to skip this interview.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We wrap the show with the news that the Backpacker Radio crew is headed to AT Trail Days, news of a woman who set the overall FKT on the Florida Trail, Knorr Side recipe recommendations, the shortest roast in the history of roasts, what animal we'd train to be our hiking companion, the triple crown of memes, dog's cornchip paws, and more.</span></p> <p><strong>LMNT:</strong> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Get a free sample pack with any order at</span> <a href= "https://drinklmnt.com/trek"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">drinklmnt.com/trek</span></a><span style= "font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><strong>Gossamer Gear:</strong> <span style= "font-weight: 400;">Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off packs at</span> <a href= "https://gossamergear.com/?rfsn=2017538.0cd2c9"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">gossamergear.com</span></a><span style= "font-weight: 400;">. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">[divider]</span></p> <p><strong>Interview with Mike Clelland</strong></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href= "https://www.instagram.com/mikeclelland_author/"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Mike's Instagram</span></a></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href= "https://mikeclelland.com/about-mike"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Mike's Website</span></a></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href= "https://www.amazon.com/Unseen-Mike-Clelland-ebook/dp/B0C4QNWPWG?ref_=ast_author_dp"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">The Unseen, by Mike Clelland</span></a></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href= "https://hiddenexperience.podbean.com/"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Mike's Podcast</span></a></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Time stamps & Questions</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:09:15 -</span> <strong>Reminders:</strong> <a href= "https://thetrek.us1.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=a390119c39d0193a621329ae5&id=e17c3c8d7e"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Sign up for the Trek’s newsletter</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">,</span> <a href= "https://www.eventbrite.com/e/backpacker-radio-podcast-tickets-1126312122879"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">join us for our live show in Austin</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">,</span> <a href= "https://www.patreon.com/backpackerradio"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, and</span> <a href= "https://thetrek.co/thru-hiker-resources/apply-to-be-a-blogger-vlogger-the-trek/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">apply to blog for the Trek</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">!</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:13:19 - Introducing Mike</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:14:05 - What have you been up to since we last had you on?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:17:00 - Fuck Marry Kill: Podcasting, Writing Books, and Illustrating</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:21:23 - What are the pros and cons of self-publishing?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:26:16 - Give us the primer on why you think owls are special</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:31:35 - What are the general trends of people’s owl sightings?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:37:24 - Have you noticed commonalities between the people?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:41:04 - Owl + UFO story</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:47:20 - In your opinion, what are aliens?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:49:18 - What do you personally believe?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:57:25 - What do you believe in terms of these common alien theories?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">01:01:25 - What motivates the aliens?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">01:04:06 - Are the aliens visiting intentionally or passing by?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">01:06:45 - How does one become owl-ready?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">01:09:45 - Why don’t the aliens visit you all the time?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">01:13:24 - Do you consider yourself a healer?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">01:15:04 - Do you still cut the handles off the toothbrush?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">01:16:05 - What got you into ultralight backpacking and inspired you to write the book?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">01:23:35 - What types of trips did you go on?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">01:24:50 - What are your strongest convictions about ultralight backpacking?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">01:30:45 - How do you go ultralight despite having fears about the outdoors?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">01:35:46 - How did you get into owls and UFOs?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">01:47:00 - Chaunce’s story</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">01:55:55 - Where do you think that voice came from?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">02:02:40 - Return to Mike’s story</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">02:07:03 - Are you still trying to process what happened and seeking the why?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">02:08:20 - What happened on that day?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">02:24:30 - Why isn’t there clearer evidence of all this?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">02:26:50 - What’s the difference between paranormal activity and hallucination?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">02:29:44 - What is your answer to why are you here?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">02:31:37 - Do you think we’re living in a simulation and what happens after we die?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">02:37:30 - Mike’s hypnosis session</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">02:52:30 - Do you think you’re an alien scribe?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">02:56:00 - What percent of you thinks you’re an alien?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">02:59:52 - What are your closing thoughts?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">03:02:17 - Stay Salty Question: What’s your hottest take in the world of backpacking? Or, what’s something you’d add to ultralight backpacking? Or, what tip do you violate the most?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">03:08:10 - Where can people keep up with you?</span></p> <p><strong>Segments</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Trek Propaganda: </span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href= "https://thetrek.co/fastest-known-human-this-woman-just-beat-the-mens-speed-record-on-the-florida-trail/?ref=slider"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Fastest Known Human: This Woman Just Beat the Men’s Speed Record on the Florida Trail</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">by Katie Jackson</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href= "https://thetrek.co/the-best-knorr-sides-ranked-by-an-at-thru-hiker/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">7 Delicious Knorr Side Dinner Ideas You Need To Try, According to an AT Thru-Hiker</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">by Sheraya Smith</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">QOTD: If you could train any animal to be your hiking companion, what would it be and what special skills would it have?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Shortest Roast of All Time</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Triple Crown of internet memes</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mail Bag</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">5 Star Review</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">[divider]</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Check out our sound guy</span> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/my_boy_pauly/"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">@my_boy_pauly/</span></a> <span style= "font-weight: 400;">and</span> <a href= "https://ommcr.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">his coffee</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><a href= "https://thetrek.us1.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=a390119c39d0193a621329ae5&id=e17c3c8d7e"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Sign up for the Trek’s newsletter</span></a></p> <p><a href="https://www.speakpipe.com/BackpackerRadio"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Leave us a voicemail!</span></a></p> <p><a href= "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/backpacker-radio/id1339028551"> <strong>Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes</strong></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">(and please leave us a review)! Find us on</span> <a href= "https://open.spotify.com/show/5FO5edVqPbDcny0ja8kF4d"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Spotify</span></a><span style= "font-weight: 400;">,</span> <a href= "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/backpacker-radio-by-the-trek/backpacker-radio"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Stitcher</span></a><span style= "font-weight: 400;">, and</span> <a href= "https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Iiacyqmtlnhu4z3vkaeskn4odga"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Google Play</span></a><span style= "font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <h4><a href= "https://www.patreon.com/backpackerradio"><strong>Support us on Patreon</strong></a> <strong>to get bonus content.</strong></h4> <p><a href= "https://thetrek.co/advertise-on-backpacker-radio-podcast/"><strong> Advertise on Backpacker Radio</strong></a></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Follow</span> <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/thetrek.co/"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">The Trek</span></a><span style= "font-weight: 400;">,</span> <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/juliana_chauncey/"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Chaunce</span></a><span style= "font-weight: 400;">,</span> <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/zrdavis"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Badger</span></a><span style= "font-weight: 400;">, and</span> <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/trailcorrespondents/"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Trail Correspondents</span></a> <span style= "font-weight: 400;">on</span> <strong>Instagram</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Follow</span> <a href= "https://www.youtube.com/@backpackerradio"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Backpacker Radio</span></a><span style= "font-weight: 400;">,</span> <a href= "https://www.youtube.com/user/apptrials"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">The Trek</span></a> <span style= "font-weight: 400;">and</span> <a href= "https://www.youtube.com/user/julianachauncey"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Chaunce</span></a> <span style= "font-weight: 400;">on</span> <strong>YouTube.</strong></p> <p><strong>Follow</strong> <a href= "https://www.tiktok.com/@backpackerradio?lang=en"><strong>Backpacker Radio</strong></a> <strong>on Tik Tok. </strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Our theme song is</span> <a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/2op5uvEvzAE5TXH12Mo1hl"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Walking Slow</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">by</span> <a href="https://www.animalyearsmusic.com/"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Animal Years</span></a><span style= "font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">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, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Eathan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Alsop, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, 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.</span></p>
March 30, 2025
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Justin True. Justin's story is truly remarkable. From growing up in a home with intense physical and emotional abuse, to becoming a professional MMA fighter, to pulling a 1.5 vehicle for a full-marathon, to completing a 24hr Hero Crossfit WODathon, to being kidnapped in Egypt and deported for being accused of spying for the government, getting attacked by a shark, and most recently completing the "True Triathlon" a country wide endurance feat, including a 50-mile swim, 3,000-mile bike ride, and a 600-mile run. Given that Justin does everything to the extreme, following suit, this interview is also a marathon, but we promise you the time will fly by. </span></p> <p><strong>Warning</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">: This episode discusses suicide. If this topic is triggering, we encourage you to skip this interview. Help is available, call or text 988 for support.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We wrap the show with the reality TV shows we want to see come to fruition, the triple crown of things that give us unreasonable anxiety, and our brutally honest opinion about New York's Northville Placid Trail.</span></p> <p><strong>Gossamer Gear:</strong> <span style= "font-weight: 400;">Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off packs at</span> <a href= "https://gossamergear.com/?rfsn=2017538.0cd2c9"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">gossamergear.com</span></a><span style= "font-weight: 400;">. </span></p> <p><strong>Purple Rain Skirts:</strong> <span style= "font-weight: 400;">Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off at</span> <a href="https://www.purplerainskirts.com/"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">purplerainskirts.com</span></a><span style= "font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><strong>Ombraz</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">: Use code “BACKPACKER30” for $30 off at</span> <a href= "http://ombraz.com/discount/backpacker30"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">ombraz.com/discount/backpacker30</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">[divider]</span></p> <p><strong>Interview with Justin True</strong></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href= "https://www.justintrueofficial.com/"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Justin's Website</span></a></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href= "https://www.instagram.com/therealjustintrue/?hl=en"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Justin's Instagram</span></a></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href= "https://www.youtube.com/user/thejekelekej"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Justin's Youtube</span></a></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Time stamps & Questions</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:04:52 -</span> <strong>Reminders:</strong> <a href= "https://www.eventbrite.com/e/backpacker-radio-podcast-tickets-1126312122879"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Join us for our live show in Austin</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">,</span> <a href= "https://www.patreon.com/backpackerradio"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, and</span> <a href= "https://thetrek.co/thru-hiker-resources/apply-to-be-a-blogger-vlogger-the-trek/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">apply to blog for the Trek</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">! And</span> <a href="https://thetrek.us1.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=a390119c39d0193a621329ae5&id=e17c3c8d7e"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">sign up for the Trek’s newsletter</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">!</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:09:30 - Introducing Justin</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:10:17 - Why are you flying out to Florida?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:14:15 - How long did the marathon take you when you were pulling a truck?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:18:10 - Where do you get these crazy ideas?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:23:50 - Tell us about your challenging upbringing</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:28:00 - Where do you think their anger came from?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:31:30 - Was your mom aware of what was happening?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:32:30 - When did you pick up fighting?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:35:00 - Discussion about Justin’s parents</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:42:20 - Did your brother’s behavior change towards you after that?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:43:25 - Have you thought about choosing a different path than your family?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:46:30 - Did you work as an engineer?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:47:40 - Tell us about fighting full time</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:53:25 - Were you ever afraid while fighting?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:54:37 - At what point did you shift into more endurance related sports?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">00:57:13 - How much cardio did you do while fighting?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">01:00:00 - Do you have Type 1 fun while you’re struggling?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">01:02:20 - Do you ever miss adrenaline while on long runs?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">01:05:30 - Tell us the background of Cycle4Gaza</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">01:08:00 - Tell us about getting kidnapped in Africa</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">01:27:30 - Were you afraid at any point during this ordeal?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">01:29:25 - Did you see anything you shouldn’t have seen?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">01:30:35 - Tell us about setting the single person record for the Three National Peaks</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">01:37:00 - How were you working all this financially?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">01:39:40 - Tell us about doing the Olympic Triathlon with a 90 pound hammer</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">01:42:45 - When did the kilt come into play?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">01:50:58 - Did you fight a shark?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">01:58:20 - What’s the heaviest you’ve deadlifted?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">02:02:05 - Tell us about your 500-mile walk across Madagascar</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">02:16:34 - What were the highlights of Madagascar?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">02:21:50 - Tell us about the 24hr Hero Crossfit WODathon</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">02:28:04 - Where did the idea for the True Triathlon come from?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">02:31:00 - Discussion about the swim portion</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">02:34:30 - How big was your team?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">02:39:00 - How are you so hard on yourself but see other people differently?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">02:43:10 - Where does the poop go?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">02:44:30 - Where do you start biking?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">02:50:20 - Why did the swim coach stay until Houston?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">02:53:00 - What does your mom think about all your adventures?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">02:53:40 - What standout stories do you have from the biking portion?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">02:59:40 - Justin’s plans for next year</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">03:01:25 - Discussion about falling asleep while swimming</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">03:05:30 - Discussion about the triathlon</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">03:22:00 - What’s the takeaway of being inspired by other people?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">03:23:30 - What’d you feel when you finally finished?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">03:27:00 - Tell us about Naked & Afraid</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">03:30:30 - Were you shy about being naked on tv?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">03:33:00 - What were your takeaways from the show?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">03:36:25 - What was the duration and the prize?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">03:41:00 - Have you considered any more traditional endurance events like FKTs or the Barkley?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">03:42:35 - Tell us about the runs you do while drinking beer</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">03:45:15 - Do you have any plans on slowing down?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">03:48:00 - Where should people go to keep up with you?</span></p> <p><strong>Segments</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">QOTD: What’s a reality TV show you want to see brought into existence?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Triple Crown of things that give you unreasonable anxiety</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mail Bag</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">5 Star Review</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">[divider]</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Check out our sound guy</span> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/my_boy_pauly/"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">@my_boy_pauly/</span></a> <span style= "font-weight: 400;">and</span> <a href= "https://ommcr.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">his coffee</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><a href= "https://thetrek.us1.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=a390119c39d0193a621329ae5&id=e17c3c8d7e"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Sign up for the Trek’s newsletter</span></a></p> <p><a href="https://www.speakpipe.com/BackpackerRadio"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Leave us a voicemail!</span></a></p> <p><a href= "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/backpacker-radio/id1339028551"> <strong>Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes</strong></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">(and please leave us a review)! Find us on</span> <a href= "https://open.spotify.com/show/5FO5edVqPbDcny0ja8kF4d"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Spotify</span></a><span style= "font-weight: 400;">,</span> <a href= "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/backpacker-radio-by-the-trek/backpacker-radio"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Stitcher</span></a><span style= "font-weight: 400;">, and</span> <a href= "https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Iiacyqmtlnhu4z3vkaeskn4odga"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Google Play</span></a><span style= "font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <h4><a href= "https://www.patreon.com/backpackerradio"><strong>Support us on Patreon</strong></a> <strong>to get bonus content.</strong></h4> <p><a href= "https://thetrek.co/advertise-on-backpacker-radio-podcast/"><strong> Advertise on Backpacker Radio</strong></a></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Follow</span> <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/thetrek.co/"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">The Trek</span></a><span style= "font-weight: 400;">,</span> <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/juliana_chauncey/"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Chaunce</span></a><span style= "font-weight: 400;">,</span> <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/zrdavis"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Badger</span></a><span style= "font-weight: 400;">, and</span> <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/trailcorrespondents/"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Trail Correspondents</span></a> <span style= "font-weight: 400;">on</span> <strong>Instagram</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Follow</span> <a href= "https://www.youtube.com/@backpackerradio"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Backpacker Radio</span></a><span style= "font-weight: 400;">,</span> <a href= "https://www.youtube.com/user/apptrials"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">The Trek</span></a> <span style= "font-weight: 400;">and</span> <a href= "https://www.youtube.com/user/julianachauncey"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Chaunce</span></a> <span style= "font-weight: 400;">on</span> <strong>YouTube.</strong></p> <p><strong>Follow</strong> <a href= "https://www.tiktok.com/@backpackerradio?lang=en"><strong>Backpacker Radio</strong></a> <strong>on Tik Tok. </strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Our theme song is</span> <a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/2op5uvEvzAE5TXH12Mo1hl"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Walking Slow</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">by</span> <a href="https://www.animalyearsmusic.com/"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Animal Years</span></a><span style= "font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.</span></p>
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