Thru Hiking Horror - Nick "Captain Underpants" Johnson (Part I)

Rocket and Stump dive into the real dangers hikers face when venturing off the beaten path. With gripping stories of missing hikers, hard-working rescue teams, and the importance of preparation, this episode is a wake-up call for anyone who loves the outdoors.

In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, Doc welcomes back Jeff Garmire for a bonus segment called 'The Last 10: Next Level'. Listen in as Jeff answers ten new questions about the last time he experienced various moments, from trying new foods to acts of kindness. Along the way, Jeff shares his love for the backcountry, his fondness for the Grand Canyon, and his typically simple dining habits. This episode promises deeper insights into the mind of one of Hiker Trash Radio's favorite guests. True to the show’s spirit, it blends humor, nostalgia, and genuine moments of reflection.

In this episode, Jeff "Legend" Garmire shares insights from his recent trail races, including the Big Horn 100 and Cocadona 250. He discusses the challenges of finishing races without pacers, the joy of self-reliance, and his experiences pacing during the PCT FKT attempt. Jeff dives into the complexities of ultra-race logistics, from mules to aid stations, and how he navigates them while dealing with hardships like COVID. Looking ahead, he previews his self-supported Appalachian Trail FKT attempt. Jeff also offers practical hiking hacks and reflects on the communal spirit of trail running.

In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, Doc welcomes back fan favorite Jeff 'Legend' Garmire. They discuss his ambitious plans for 2025, including his attempt at the Appalachian Trail Fastest Known Time (AT FKT) record and how he's setting himself up for it. Jeff shares his fascinating backstory, from working at the Department of Defense to becoming a full-time hiker, and delves into memorable hiking experiences, gear talk, and some wild hitchhiking stories.

In this episode, we catch up with Nick Johnson, also known as J Man or Captain Underpants, as he shares his journey from falling in love with hiking on the John Muir Trail (JMT) to tackling the 2,600-mile Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) from Mexico to Canada. Nick discusses his preparation hikes on Catalina Island and in Sequoia, his experiences with bison, and his film about hiking. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on his movie 'Mile 666,' a thru-hiking horror film he produced with a small team, reflecting on its production and future release plans. Nick also compares the PCT with the Appalachian Trail (AT), shares his highs and lows on the trails, and offers valuable hacks for fellow hikers. Additionally, he promotes the GoFundMe for Standing Bear Hostel, affected by a mudslide, emphasizing community support in the hiking world.

In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, Doc welcomes thru-hiker and filmmaker Nick Johnson, also known by his trail names J Man and Captain Underpants.  Nick shares anecdotes from his extensive hiking experiences on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and the Appalachian Trail (AT), including his worst decisions, favorite trail sections, and most memorable hiker trash moments. He also outlines his journey into thru-hiking, starting with the John Muir Trail (JMT), and discusses his upcoming project, Mile 666. The episode offers a blend of practical advice and entertaining storytelling, making it a must-listen for aspiring thru-hikers and trail enthusiasts.

Rocket and Stump dive into the stories and achievements of Eric Ryback, the first to complete the Triple Crown of Hiking. They explore his legendary journeys on the AT, PCT, and CDT, his hunger-driven adventures, and his lasting impact on the hiking community.

In this bonus episode of Hiker Trash Radio, Doc interviews Nick Johnson, a hiker, filmmaker, and van dweller. Through a series of 10 rapid-fire questions, Nick shares insights into his recent adventures, music preferences, advice, and more. Tune in to get a snapshot of Nick's daily life and hear about his passion for hiking and trail community. This episode also provides a sneak peek into Nick's upcoming plans and reflections on past experiences.

In this episode, we follow the compelling story of Renee "Shera" Patrick, the legendary thru hiker who received a devastating stage four lung cancer diagnosis. Renee shares her journey from initially mistaking her symptoms for a hiking injury to discovering tumors spread throughout her spine, lung, and brain. Despite the challenges and radical changes to her outdoor lifestyle, she discusses her ongoing treatments, which include a mix of chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted medication. She also explores how her love for hiking continues to shape her healing process and future plans, even as she navigates physical limitations and considers more accessible treks like the Camino. The episode underscores the critical role of community, perseverance, and finding hope in the face of incurable illness.

In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc interviews triple crown thru-hiker, rafter, and conservationist Renee 'Shera' Patrick. Renee shares the origin of her trail name, her harrowing experience with an alcohol stove on the Continental Divide Trail, and her recent diagnosis of stage four small cell lung cancer. Despite her diagnosis, Renee remains optimistic and discusses her plans to continue enjoying the outdoors. They also touch on her favorite hiking memories, gear preferences, and offer valuable hiking tips.