Tr(AI)l Talk with Rocket and Stump - The Calendar Year Triple Crown

In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc interviews Chris 'Mouse' DiFranco, who shares his incredible journey of hiking 4,000 miles in a year. Starting with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), Mouse details his adventures on various trails across the U.S. and Europe, including the Oregon Coast Trail, Grand Canyon, Madeira Crossing in Portugal, and the Camino de Santiago in Spain. He talks about the challenges and highlights of his hikes, including memorable encounters with wildlife, overcoming obstacles, and the sense of community among hikers. Mouse also shares his hiking hacks and insights on how to prepare for long-distance hikes. This episode is packed with valuable tips, engaging stories, and the inspiring motto: 'Shut Up and Keep Walking.' 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 thru hiker Chris 'Mouse' DiFranco, who shares his experiences on the trail, his trail name origin story, worst gear mistakes, and more. Chris recounts his high school athletic achievements, adventures on the PCT, including treacherous conditions and memorable trail towns. The discussion also highlights Chris's background, how he got into thru hiking, and the challenges of balancing an engineering career with his passion for the outdoors. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rocket and Stump unpack the challenge, history, and logistics behind the elusive Calendar Year Triple Crown. Discover what it takes to attempt all three major US long-distance trails within a single year, and hear about the hikers who've made history. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this special ad-free bonus episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc reconnects with thru hiker Jacob Pepper, also known as 'Pepper.' Jacob discusses his expansive hiking career, highlighting his monumental achievement of completing the Eastern Continental Trail (ECT) extended edition. Throughout the episode, Jacob shares the highs and lows of his journey, including covering over 5,800 miles in nine months, tackling the Triple Crown of long-distance hiking, dealing with physical and mystery illnesses, and the emotional and physical toll these adventures took. Additionally, Jacob shares a powerful, deeply personal story about a devastating car accident that nearly took his life and set him on this remarkable path. Listeners are invited to experience the challenges, determination, and triumphs of Jacob's extraordinary hiking life. 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 Jocelyn 'PBS' Smith, a thru hiker and CPTSD survivor. Jocelyn shares her ambitious plans to undertake the border-to-border calendar year triple crown hike, teaming up with another hiker, Lolo "Sparkle" Veloz. She discusses the personal motivations behind this endeavor and her efforts to raise awareness and support for Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Jocelyn also recounts past adventures on the Pacific Crest Trail, a dramatic rescue in the Grand Canyon, and her strategies for coping with mental health challenges on the trail. She provides insights into her preparation and partnership search for the upcoming journey and offers encouragement for others dealing with trauma. 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 thru hiker and repeat guest Jocelyn 'PBS' Smith. They discuss everything from cold soaking on the AT to life-saving moments on the Arizona Trail, share stories of favorite trail segments, and reveal Jocelyn’s quirky trail name evolution. This engaging conversation covers gear preferences, best and worst hiking decisions, and memorable hitchhiking experiences. Not to be missed is her latest bartender story and the unique blend of ultralight hiking gear tips with fun anecdotes from the trail. 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 Stuart Hislop, better known as Walkabout, who completed his first major American long trail by hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2025. Stuart shares his inspiring story of overcoming alcoholism, discovering the therapeutic benefits of hiking, and his goal of achieving the Triple Crown by also hiking the PCT and CDT. He reflects on his preparation, the highs and lows of the trail, and how the experience has profoundly impacted his life. Stuart also provides practical advice for future hikers, emphasizing the importance of personal focus over comparison and the way hiking has become a fundamental part of his recovery and newfound lifestyle. 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 chats with Australian thru hiker Stuart 'Walkabout' Hislop. Walkabout discusses his adventures on the Appalachian Trail, including his trail name origin, differences between American and Australian hiking culture, and memorable experiences. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rocket and Stump dive into the wildest race no one finishes: the Barkley Marathons. They unravel how this punishing Tennessee trail event became the ultimate test of human resilience and legend, Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this bonus episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc interviews Steve 'Walmart' Yale, a seasoned thru hiker with over 13,000 miles under his belt. Through a series of ten rapid-fire questions, Steve shares stories about his recent adventures, favorite songs, and the last piece of advice he gave. Get to know Walmart as he reveals what makes him tick and offers a glimpse into the life of a dedicated hiker. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.