Episodes
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Episode 40 of Humans of the Trail with Olie Wicks
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In this episode of Humans of the Trail, we sit down with Andrew Terrell, a man who has an incredible story of self-discovery. Andrew walked from the Apennine Mountains in Southern Italy to Arctic Norway, a journey that took him over 7000 miles and two years.
Along the way, Andrew faced many challenges, but he also learned a lot about himself. He learned to be independent, to trust his instincts, and to appreciate the simple things in life. He also made some lifelong friends and memories.
Andrew's story is an inspiration to us all. It is a reminder that we are capable of anything we set our minds to, and that the journey is often more important than the destination.
So sit back, relax, and enjoy Andrew's story. It is a story of adventure, self-discovery, and hope.
Listen to Episode 39 of Humans of the Trail today!
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Episodes manquant?
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This week on Humans of the Trail I have Ali Pretty on the Podcast. I first learned about Ali through a friend of the Podcast Martyn Howe from Episode 1. Beach of Dreams is a visual art journey, community, storytelling and digital art project inspired by the challenges faced by communities who live on our coastlines.
I was really keen to learn more about Ali and her journey to creating Beach of Dreams and also really excited to get involved in documenting it come August 2023.
I love this Episode as a story of an individual inspired by nature, the outdoors, and art, combining these passions to create something truly magical.
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In this episode of Humans of the Trail, we talk to Peter Elia, a freelance travel writer who specializes in long-distance walks. Peter has walked some of the lesser-known long-distance trails in the world, and he shares his experiences with us. We talk about why Peter enjoys lesser-known routes, how he slowly quit his job to become a freelance travel writer, and some really valuable insights into how you can do the same. This is a value-packed, fun episode, and Peter came along with a bunch of fantastic ideas about the message he wanted to share, so I think you're going to enjoy it.
Here are some of the highlights of the episode:
Peter talks about why he enjoys lesser-known long-distance trails.
He shares some of his experiences walking these trails.
Peter talks about how he slowly quit his job to become a freelance travel writer.
He shares some really valuable insights into how you can do the same.
If you're interested in long-distance hiking, travel writing, or just want to hear a great story, then you'll want to check out this episode of Humans of the Trail.
Thanks for listening!
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I'm a total sucker for discovering new brands and businesses in our outdoor space. So when I learned Highlander, an events business now has a Highlander Adventure in the Lake District I had to find out more about the brand and the people behind it.
Thankfully Ariana, the Global Head of Communications at Highlander was happy to jump on the other end of a microphone and answer my questions.
Coming away from the episode I was converted in all honesty. There are very few dedicated multi-day hiking events here in the UK and I feel Highlander is onto something really special.
So if learning about new and interesting ways to get out on the trail sounds like your cup of tea, this podcast is worth a listen.
Enjoy!
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Dave Thomas started his career on the back of his love of fitness as he launched a personal training business, which spiraled into running a popular London gym chain called The Foundry. But it was Daves's love of the outdoors, and desire to step away from, his words repeatedly 'counting to 10', for his clients that eventually led to a life living in a 400-acre property on the Dales Way trail.
Yet, this is not the crux of our story. It's Daves's battle with multiple head injuries, depression, and experiencing suicidal thoughts that led to his decision to walk the length of Britain, supported by his Wife and Daughter that ultimately saved him and shaped a new perspective.
I hope you enjoy this sincere and honest podcast with Dave, as we unpack his story.
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Where do I start...
Barefoot Backpacker unpacks so much in this episode, from his backstory to traveling to the lesser known destinations around the globe, traveling as somebody who identifies as nonbinary and asexual, to of course long distance trails.
This is a fantastic episode with a lot going on which I hope you enjoy listening to as much as I enjoyed the conversation.
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Julian is in my opinion an unsung hero of Trails, with his work dedicated to the betterment of our Trail networks.
As the Board Member and Vice Chair of the World Trails Network, Chair of National Trails, and Director of the South West Coast Path Association he is a busy man and a fountain of Trail knowledge.
Julian humbled me with his clarity and level of knowledge on managing and preserving our trails and had a clear vision of a world made better by having access to trails.
I thoroughly enjoyed speaking with Julian and came away from the conversation all the wiser on the sheer complexity of challenges faced by Trail organizations and the work they do.
If you believe in the power of trails to shape communities, offer economic benefits, and make you feel great, then you will enjoy this one.
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Join Davina Farrer in her journey of exploration and liberation as she shares stories from her backpacking trip around the world and her empowering hike on the South West Coast Path. Discover how Davina's intentional work choices have led to a life of time freedom and learn how you too can break free from the 9-5 grind and live a life of adventure and fulfillment.
If you dream of more hiking - less work, believe its possible with this empowering episode of the Distance Hiker Podcast.
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In this week's episode of the Distance Hiker Podcast, we spoke with Emma, a coast walker who blogs about her journey on her site. Emma is currently on a journey to walk around the coast of the United Kingdom, with the goal of improving her mental health.
During the conversation, Emma shared with us the various reasons why she decided to take on this challenge, including her belief that walking is great for mental health and the desire to experience the beauty of the UK's coastlines. One of the things that stood out to me was how open and honest emma was when when it came to sharing the highs and lows of her walk, plans for the future and the Marge Simpson tattoo on her leg...
Emma also talked about the beautiful interactions she's had with other people who are also taking on the challenge. Her walk is not just about the physical journey, but also the human connections she's made along the way.
This is a super fun episode, with some entertaining blunders and strange diversions. I'm sure you will enjoy it as a break from the usual Distance Hiker programming and I would love to hear your thoughts.
Matthew x
Sponsors!🥁🥁
This episode of the Distance Hiker Podcast is also supported by the Distance Hiker Store. The Distance Hiker Store offers high quality, minimalist trail inspired prints that are perfect for brightening up any office space, hallway, or lounge. 5% of the proceeds from these prints go towards the maintenance of the trails related to the specific print. If you're looking to add a touch of the outdoors to your home or office, be sure to check out the Distance Hiker Store and support the trails at the same time!
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In this episode, I had the opportunity to sit down with Steph Wetherell, one of the co-founders of Every Body Outdoors. Steph is a trailblazer in the outdoor community, working to promote representation and accessibility for people of all sizes in the great outdoors.
As we talked, Steph shared her personal journey of falling in love with the outdoors and the challenges she faced along the way, particularly when it came to finding gear that fit and suited her needs. It was these challenges that ultimately inspired Steph and her co-founder to start Every Body Outdoors, a company dedicated to providing plus size outdoor gear and promoting inclusivity in the outdoor industry.
Throughout our conversation, Steph emphasized the importance of making the outdoors accessible to everyone, regardless of their size or shape. She also spoke about the transformative power of nature, and how it has the ability to heal and bring people together.
It was truly an honor to speak with Steph and learn about her passion for the outdoors and her dedication to creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for people of all sizes. I left our conversation feeling inspired and motivated to do my part in promoting representation and accessibility in the outdoor world.
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Dartmoor's a special place.
Not just for the fact that it's the largest open moor in Southern England and home to various dark skies designated areas. Or that it's a beautiful tapestry of stone walls, tors and outcrops, woven with history, folklaw and some of the most rugged and beautiful uplands in the UK.
It's also special because it also offers something rare in England and Wales.
The right to wild camp.
That right is under threat, which is why this bonus episode has been released with Beca, from the popular Instagram account Muddy Bootlaces.
Becca shares the threat to Dartmoor that is too close to home with a court case starting on the 12th December 2022.
This bonus episode exists to raise awareness of the issue. It inspires more voices to shout loud, and demand that our hard-earned rights of access are not eroded.
Thank you for listening
Matthew
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In Episode 29 of the Distance Hiker Podcast Matthew is joined by Stefan Durkacz and David Lintern, authors of the newly published Cicerone Press guidebook Scottish Wild Country Backpacking.
Stefan and David share a bit of their background and interest in the outdoors before deep diving into the behind the scenes of making the guidebook, and backpacking in Scotland.
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In this episode, I chat with Andrew McCloy, who has recently written and published the Highlights of the England Coast Path book, in partnership with Cicerone Press.
Andrew shares insight into behind the scenes of writing guidebooks including the work, and the dedication that goes into each publication.
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I've long thought that adventures with children need to be downsized, and have often fought against the grain of parenthood and the perceived restrictions on a once unrestricted life. No more selfless long trips away, or spending an evening out under the stars whenever you want to.
Routines, schools, bum wiping, homework, and many more responsibilities now come first. Bye bye freedom.
Not for the Daleys.
Marketa and David have trodden a different path. Choosing not to follow a common routine but to take their kids on a trip of a lifetime along the PCT and baking that as a normal experience in their everyday lives.
Sure, their journey has its ups and downs, which we talk about on the show, and Marketa shares over 155 posts on Instagram. Yet Marketa and David take this in their stride and can see the bigger picture - the huge benefits the trail provides for them as a family.
This is a story of two parents giving themselves permission to do something for themselves, and bringing their kids along for the ride.
There's surely a thing or two to learn here, regardless of whether you have children or not. So boot up, and enjoy the show.
At the end of the show, I share a new development for the podcast. Come 2023 I will be releasing a new weekly segment for the show. The name of which is to be confirmed. However, it will be a short show sharing narrated real stories from long-distance hikers.
If you would like your story to be featured, you can find out more information here and apply to have your story featured!
You can support the show by subscribing on Spotify and leaving a rating and review on Apple. We also have a store where you can purchase long distance hiking artwork to support the show's development. Click here to browse.
If you have any hiking friends who would enjoy listening why not introduce them to the show?
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In today’s episode of The Distance Hiker Podcast, presented by Matthew Usherwood, we have Stephanie Killingbeck-Turner sharing her story on the LEJOG trail!
Stephanie walked the trail, with a bit of a difference. Not only did she walk from one end of the UK to another, she also visited a number of environmental projects along the way.
This conversation with Stephanie will really challenge any assumptions you have about how communities can steer their own fate when it comes to the rising challenge of climate change.
We mostly focus on this aspect of her walk, but also talk a little about the logistics and Stephanie's long distance hiking experience.
If you are curious about the positive change being made in world by small communities, this is an episode you will enjoy.
The Distance Hiker Podcast is part of Distance Hiker.
You can support the podcast and get something in return by visiting store.distancehiker.com and picking up one of our beautiful trail prints.
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This week on the Distance Hiker Podcast I am joined by Daniel, and Charlotte.
Dan and Charlotte are two coast walkers, who are living nomadic lives as they hike, and work their way around the coast of Britain.
When I spoke with them, they were in their tent, set up for the night in the Shetland Islands.
I was really curious to speak with Dan and Charlotte after they came on my radar a few months back about their walk, and their individual motivations behind it.
Daniel and Charlotte are wonderfully honest and gratuitous enough to give me some fantastic answers to my questions on hiking as a couple, the challenges they face, their wider plan, and what they have learned from the trail.
So without further ado, here are Daniel and Charlotte, on the Distance Hiker Podcast.
Did you know, that you can now support the Distance Hiker Podcast via our website.
We stock a growing range of long distance hiking inspired art prints that can be delivered globally.
Shop online today at store.distancehiker.com
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This week I am thrilled to have Charlie MacRae-Tod on the show.
Charlie is a long distance hiker, who documented his walk along the End to End trail. He also has type 1 diabetes.
We agreed to record together to discuss the challenges walking with diabetes presents.
But we also wanted to build a narrative about our relationships with our bodies and how to come to terms with our own limitations in order to appreciate our real strengths.
We both believe that walking is a powerful way to find yourself, and heal, but also set a personal challenge, experience a healthy level of discomfort, and to find our natural rhythm.
This is a fascinating podcast, and Charlie presents some really insightful thinking.
I hope you enjoy the episode, and of course, let me know what you think!
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In Episode 22 of the Distance Hiker Podcast I have the pleasure of speaking with Matthew King.
Matthew is a seasoned backpacker, and artist, who shares his art and backpacking trips on Backpacking Artist.
We chat about Matthews's story, from working in Financial Services to taking the leap and working for himself, freeing himself up to simply walk more!
Matthew has also completed several TGO challenges, opening up the conversation to chat about this interesting challenge and why he keeps on going back to it. In addition, we talk about his homemade tent, and of course, Matthews's love of making art inspired by the landscapes he walks through.
- Montre plus
