In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc interviews Heather Lee McCoy, a JMT veteran living at 6,400 feet on the slopes of Mount Baldy. Known by her trail name 'Mermaid,' Heather is preparing for her first Triple Crown trail—the Pacific Crest Trail—in March 2026 to celebrate turning 50. The episode delves into Heather's past hiking experiences, her gear choices, and her thoughts on tackling the PCT. She shares her journey from being a novice hiker, carrying heavy loads, to becoming excited about ultralight backpacking. Heather also recounts a harrowing self-arrest incident on Mount Morrison that shifted her hiking perspective. With plans to hike in sandals and a new-found excitement for desert hiking, Mermaid is ready for her next big adventure.

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In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc speaks with thru-hiker and wild camper Elli Schneider. They discuss the concept and legalities of wild camping in the UK, the tradition of the Right to Roam, and Elli's adventures on notable hiking journeys such as the Great Outdoors Challenge (TGO) and her end-to-end hike across the UK known as the JoGLE. Elli shares her transition from a traditional job to a nomadic lifestyle, her experiences hiking with her dog Otto, and the highlights and challenges she faced on the trails. The podcast also touches on the community support and planning involved in such long-distance hikes, and Elli offers practical advice for safe and enjoyable hiking.

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In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc interviews Elli Schneider, a long-distance hiker, wild camper, and popular YouTube creator. Elli shares her experiences hiking with her rescue dog Otto, discussing the challenges and joys of hiking across various terrains, including the Isle of Skye in Scotland. Elli also touches on her gear preferences, her background in hiking, and how she balances her adventures with creating YouTube content. Tune in to hear about her journey from Germany to the UK, the importance of hearing your body's signals on trail, and the unique trail magic moments along the way.

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In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc interviews Michael McInally, a thru-hiker, jiu jitsu black belt, and YouTuber. McInally shares his journey from growing up in Lake City, Florida to becoming a passionate hiker and backpacker. He discusses his transition from the military to owning a gym, and how he got involved in Brazilian jiu jitsu. McInally talks about his obsessive drive for the activities he loves, his experience thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail with his dog Leo, and his strategies for balancing family, business, and adventure. He offers practical hiking tips, gear recommendations, and reveals his upcoming adventure plans. The episode highlights the supportive trail community and the importance of living life to its fullest.

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In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc welcomes Appalachian Trail thru hiker, dedicated outdoor enthusiast, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt Michael McInally. Known for his popular YouTube channel 'I Suck at Hiking,' Michael shares his experiences on the trail, including his hiking companion, service dog Leo. They discuss gear preferences, trail hacks, and the balance between maintaining a business and family life while pursuing long-distance hikes. From ultralight backpacking tips to the story behind his trail name 'Master Splinter,' this episode provides a comprehensive look into Michael's unique perspective on thru-hiking.

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In this episode of The Logbook, Doc reviews 'The High Sierra: A Love Story' by Kim Stanley Robinson. The book is a rich blend of trail memoir, geology lesson, and personal history, celebrating Robinson's 40-year love affair with the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Doc describes Robinson's unique hiking style and the book’s vivid depiction of the Sierras, recommending it as a home base read rather than a trail companion.

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In this bonus episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc welcomes back the renowned author and Triple Crowner Derick "Fab" Lugo. Fab discusses his latest book, 'A Fabulous Thru-Hike,' which chronicles his 3,100-mile journey on the Continental Divide Trail. They explore topics such as overcoming adversity, the importance of humor on the trail, and the real-life skills that translate from thru-hiking to daily life. Fab shares personal anecdotes about trail life, the characters he met, and the lessons he learned. Listeners get a peek into his writing process, shaped by experiences from the trail, and his goal to inspire others to venture out of their comfort zones.

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In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc speaks with Luke Metzler, also known as Mulch, a talented musician and vocalist. They explore the parallels between the life of a touring musician and that of a through hiker, emphasizing the importance of preparation and endurance. Luke shares stories from his career, including memorable gigs, performing for celebrities, and the challenges of balancing music with the demands of social media. He also discusses the inspiration behind his song 'Weddings and Funerals' and offers advice on staying curious and adventurous. Additionally, Luke highlights the Hannah Metzler Fund, a nonprofit in memory of his late sister, which supports young people with cancer.

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