The Silk Road Project - Ria and the 20,000 KM Run (Part I)

In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc sits down with ultra-runner Ria to discuss her ambitious plan to run 20,000 kilometers from Vladivostok in Russia to Lisbon in Portugal. Ria delves into her extensive preparations, the challenges of planning such an immense journey, and the importance of community support, including her team of volunteers. She also shares insights from her previous ultra-running experiences, particularly her Fastest Known Time (FKT) achievement on the Camino Francis in Spain. Additionally, listeners learn about Ria's motivations, her struggles with learned helplessness, and how running has empowered her. Ria also talks about her plans to create a documentary and podcast during the run, highlighting the cultural and human experiences encountered along the way. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, Doc welcomes Ria, an ex-Silicon Valley tech worker turned ultrarunner, who is training for an ambitious endurance project: a 20,000-kilometer run across the ancient Silk Road from Vladivostok to Lisbon. Ria shares her journey from battling depression and a quarter-life crisis to completing remarkable feats like running through Egypt and achieving an FKT on the Camino de Santiago. They discuss her preparation for the daunting challenge, the symbolic significance of the Silk Road, her worst mistake on an excursion, the most vital piece of gear she relies on, and her insights into the mental and physical grind of such an epic adventure. Tune in for an inspiring story of overcoming mental health struggles through the transformative power of running. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc interviews Bethany Adams, also known as Pink Lightning, about her fascinating journey as a hiker and author. Bethany shares insights from her book 'Unsupported,' which details her experiences climbing the ADK 46 peaks, overcoming personal challenges, and addressing mental health issues. They discuss the origins of her superhero moniker, her writing journey, and the importance of small successes. Bethany also talks about the process of finding a publisher and the themes of women empowerment and healing in nature that are central to her book. They wrap up with practical hiking advice and shoutouts to mental health awareness initiatives, specifically 46 Climbs. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc welcomes back Bethany Adams, also known by her trail name Pink Lightning. Bethany discusses her new memoir 'Unsupported' which delves into her experiences with the Adirondack 46 High Peaks, the struggles in her life, and her journey through resilience. The episode also includes discussions on the importance of failing before succeeding, the healing power of nature, and the challenges she faced while writing her book. Additionally, Bethany shares insight into winter hiking gear and discusses misconceptions about female endurance athletes. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this edition of The Logbook, Doc takes a dive into Mud, Rocks, Blazes by Heather "Anish" Anderson! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Host Doc welcomes French hiker and 2026 Continental Divide Trail correspondent JB Savereux to Hiker Trash Radio as JB prepares to start the CDT southbound from Glacier National Park on July 1. JB talks about taking daily English lessons to communicate on trail, reflects on completing New Zealand’s Te Araroa as rugged, wet preparation, and explains choosing the CDT as his first American long trail for its border-to-border route and fewer crowds compared to the PCT. They discuss his comfort with mountains from living and working in the French Alps, his ultralight shift in gear culture, and his new 3.7 kg base weight with excitement for a lighter tent and sleeping bag. JB shares what he’s most excited to see in the American West and gives his Instagram handle @JB_SAVEREUX for listeners to follow and send voice messages to help with his lessons. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc interviews Philip 'Slide' Witmer, who has achieved the remarkable feat of completing the Calendar Year Triple Crown. Slide shares his journey from his early hiking experiences to becoming a highly experienced thru-hiker. He talks about his adventures on the Appalachian Trail (AT), the Continental Divide Trail (CDT), and the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), as well as the challenges and rewards he faced along the way. Slide offers insights into trail life, the importance of listening to the trail, and his plan to hike more trails in the future. The episode also touches on his experience with other hikers, trail entitlement issues, and the costs associated with such an extensive hiking endeavor. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc interviews Philip 'Slide' Witmer, a Calendar Year Triple Crowner who has hiked an astounding 10,000 miles in 2025. The episode delves into Slide's experiences, challenges, and insights from the trail, including his least expected hardships like intense loneliness, the mental and physical toll of long-distance hiking, and gear mishaps. Slide shares amusing anecdotes, including how he got his trail name and his worst hiker trash moments. The conversation also covers Slide's favorite gear, his culinary preferences on the trail, and the lessons he learned along the way. Listeners will get a detailed inside look into what it takes to achieve such an incredible hiking feat. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc interviews Miller 'Mander' Hollstein, an author and thru hiker of the Appalachian Trail. Miller shares his transformative journey of self-discovery, dealing with struggles, and seeking solitude on the trail. He discusses the struggles that led him to undertake this journey, the challenges and surprises he encountered, and how he moved from feeling lost to finding alignment within himself. The episode delves into Mander's writing process, his philosophies on coaching, and the powerful life lessons he learned through hiking and writing. This episode offers not only a personal narrative but also valuable insights for anyone feeling lost or seeking purpose. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc speaks with Miller 'Mander' Hollstein, a thru hiker and author who completed the Appalachian Trail (AT) in 2023. Mander discusses his transition from college athletics to hiking, dealing with identity shifts, post-trail depression, and his most hiker trash moments. He also shares insights from his book and upcoming coaching business, aimed at helping others navigate life changes. The episode dives deep into Mander's personal experiences, including battling norovirus on the trail, hiking mistakes, and the lessons learned from his adventure. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.