Skip to content
PodcastsSportsBackpacker Radio

Backpacker Radio

The Trek
Backpacker Radio
Latest episode

406 episodes

  • Backpacker Radio

    Losing 150 Lbs, An All-Time Poop Story, and Theater Hacks for Content Creators with Andrew Livingston aka Coach from Marion Outdoors (BPR #366)

    2026/07/20 | 1h 53 mins.
    In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Andrew Livingston, aka Coach from Marion Outdoors and host of the Chafed Outdoors podcast.
    In this one, Coach tells the story of losing 150 pounds his sophomore year of college largely thanks to hiking, details his background in theater, ballet, and tap dancing- and how that's helped him grow a massive following on Instagram and TikTok, the biggest challenges of running an outfitter, he gives us an all-timer poop story that ended with him naked in the woods covered in shit and hanging onto a tree branch, and details the rules for banning problem hikers from his hostel.
    We wrap the show with Trek Propaganda on gear people love 500 miles into the AT, a Triple Crown of sounds that trigger happiness, how a tornado woke Katie and I from a dead sleep in New Orleans, my Jolly Gear sun hoodie review, and a listener further breaks down the difference between a Sawyer and Brita filter.
    Topo Athletic: Use code "TREK15TOPO" at topoathletic.com.
    Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKERRADIO" for $20 off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com. 
    Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% of hyperlitemountaingear.com
    [divider]
    Interview with Coach from Marion Outdoors
    Coach's Instagram
    Coach's Youtube Channel
    Marion Outdoors Website
    Time stamps & Questions
    00:05:00 - Reminders: Join us for a hiker meetup in Seattle, subscribe to The Trek's Youtube and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and!
    00:07:05 - Introducing Andrew Livingston
    00:10:00 - How did you get started in the outdoors?
    00:15:10 - Tell us your hiking resume
    00:18:20 - Tell us about your theater background
    00:21:30 - Do you have any advice for someone starting to make content?
    00:25:00 - Do people come visit your store because of your videos?
    00:28:00 - Did something ever flop that you thought would sell great?
    00:34:10 - What gear has stood out most to you from the show?
    00:37:10 - Is there any tech apparel you're excited about?
    00:41:00 - Tell us your poop story
    00:50:38 - How have you tried to maintain your weight?
    00:56:25 - Do you get a SOBO bubble through the shop?
    00:59:15 - Discussion about hikers coming through the hostel and shop
    01:06:34 - What gets someone's name on the list?
    01:10:20 - How have AT towns recovered from Hurricane Helene?
    01:12:00 - What do you see for the future of Marion Outdoors?
    01:14:30 - Tell us about your podcast
    01:15:45 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance enhancing hack?
    Segments
    Trek Propaganda: 2026 AT Thru-Hikers Share Their Favorite Gear So Far by Katie Jackson
    QOTD:  When was the last time you were in a tornado warning?
    Switchback Recap
    Triple Crown of sounds that trigger happiness
    Mail Bag 
    5 Star Review
    [divider]
    Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
    Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
    Leave us a voicemail!
    Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
    Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.
    Advertise on Backpacker Radio
    Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
    Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
    Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. 
    Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.
    A super big thank you to our Bob Peoples Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "The Snail" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
    A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, Dakota J, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lloyd Harris, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.
  • Backpacker Radio

    Chaunce's Live Podcast Sendoff in Denver (BPR #365)

    2026/07/13 | 3h 6 mins.
    In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we're live at the Skylark Lounge in Denver- and we are giving Chaunce a proper send off. For this one, we're joined by Fireball, Elise, Sassafras, Jolly, and of course Jabba. 
    This one is a grab bag of odd games, including the Newlywed Game, a Triple Crown of behind the scenes crisis-management stories, we play Two Lies and a Truth, and Jolly hosts a highly contentious "Judge Jolly" debate between Chaunce and Jabba. This one features some surprise cameos, tequila shots, and signature Chaunce moments. 
    LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.
    Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKERRADIO" for $20 off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com. 
    Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% of hyperlitemountaingear.com
    Shady Rays: Use code "TREK" for 40% off two or more pairs of sunglasses at shadyrays.com.
    [divider]
    Interview with Juliana Chauncey aka Chaunce
    Time stamps & Questions
    00:04:30 - Reminders: Suggest a guest, apply to be a cohost, and support us on Patreon!
    00:06:15 - Introducing Chaunce
    00:08:14 - Fireball & Chaunce play the Newlywed Game
    00:32:30 - Introducing Elise
    00:35:50 - Triple Crown of Crisis Management
    00:55:15 - Triple Crown of Zach & Elise's Favorite Chaunce Moments
    01:11:10 - Garrett's Chaunce Story
    01:15:30 - Two Lies and a Truth with Jess
    01:44:50 - Judge Jolly
    02:35:20 - Chaunce gets a present
    02:39:50 - Chaunce gets another present
    02:47:00 - Mailbags
    02:55:20 - 5 Star Review
    [divider]
    Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
    Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
    Leave us a voicemail!
    Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
    Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.
    Advertise on Backpacker Radio
    Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
    Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
    Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. 
    Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.
    A super big thank you to our Bob Peoples Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "The Snail" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
    A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, Dakota J, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lloyd Harris, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.
  • Backpacker Radio

    Epic Dreams, Chaunce's Last In-Studio Segments, Ways You'd Behave Differently without Ramifications, and Lots of Processing

    2026/07/09 | 1h 41 mins.
    Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% of hyperlitemountaingear.com
    Segments
    Epic Dreams
    Processing
    Trek Propaganda
    Teen Hiker Dies in Grand Canyon National Park Amid Extreme Heat by Katie Jackson

    Why You Should Never Take Gear Advice to Heart by Izzy Wagner

    QOTD:  Would you rather A) every time you eat a particular meal, the rest of the world loses access to this meal for 24 hours, People know about this (may receive threats, but you are protected or B) anytime you use an air fryer or microwave, all others on earth become unusable until you finish using it (may receive threats, but you are protected)?
    Triple Crown of ways you'd behave differently if there were no ramifications
    Sun Hoodie Review
    Stupid Thing of the Week
    Processing
    Patent Pending
    Mail Bag
    5 Star Review
    [divider]
    Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
    Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
    Leave us a voicemail!
    Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
    Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.
    Advertise on Backpacker Radio
    Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
    Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
    Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. 
    Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.
    A super big thank you to our Bob Peoples Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "The Snail" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
    A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, Dakota J, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lloyd Harris, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.
  • Backpacker Radio

    Getting Charged by a Moose, a Month of CDT Solitude, and Going Pro as a Hiking Photographer with Caleb "Meatball" Adcock (BPR #364)

    2026/07/06 | 3h 58 mins.
    In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Caleb "Meatball" Adcock, a professional photographer and thru-hiker who completed the AT last year and is currently midway through the CDT, doing it almost entirely alone. 
    Caleb walks us through how he built a career shooting for brands like Hyperlite and Jetboil while thru-hiking, why authentic trail photography looks so different from what brands used to put out, getting Lyme disease on the AT and spending four days at the Yellow Deli, sleeping on a pool floaty for four days, what it's actually like to hike the CDT almost completely solo for months at a time, what he's learning about himself in the solitude, and the time he was charged by an angry momma moose multiple times near Leadville. 
    We wrap the show with my review of the popular KETL Mtn No Fry Sun Hoodie review, a complex question of the day involving depriving access to the rest of the world's meal access or cooking appliances, the triple crown of ways you'd behave differently if there were no ramifications, Why You Should Never Take Gear Advice to Heart, and many tears are shed as this is Chaunce's last Backpacker Radio studio visit as a Colorado resident.
    Topo Athletic: Use code "TREK15TOPO" at topoathletic.com.
    Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKERRADIO" for $20 off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com. 
    Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% of hyperlitemountaingear.com
    [divider]
    Interview with Caleb "Meatball" Adcock
    Caleb's Instagram
    Caleb's Website
    Time stamps & Questions
    00:05:15 - Processing
    00:06:45 - Reminders: Sign up for the Trek's newsletter, subscribe to the Trek's new Youtube channel, the Trek: On Trail, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!
    00:12:50 - Introducing Meatball
    00:20:40 - Discussion about balancing impressions on social media
    00:21:45 - Did you ever worry about posting shitty pictures?
    00:23:43 - What's the least professional thing you've done in one of your videos?
    00:27:30 - Discussion about authenticity with brand photography
    00:29:14 - Which of your photos or videos have gone the most viral?
    00:33:03 - Where in your career arc did you get into photography?
    00:36:00 - How did you determine your pricing?
    00:39:00 - What brands have you worked with?
    00:43:45 - Have you had any entertaining requests you've turned down?
    00:46:55 - What did you study in college?
    00:51:00 - How do you quantify the value of your work?
    00:55:25 - What's the funniest interaction you've had with someone who's recognized you?
    00:58:30 - How did you get into backpacking?
    01:04:05 - How did you decide to thru-hike the AT last year?
    01:11:40 - Give us the pros and cons of section hiking versus thru-hiking
    01:19:40 - Tell us about getting Lyme
    01:32:45 - Do you have any fun trail hookup stories?
    01:35:15 - Are you obsessed with hot dogs?
    01:43:10 - Why did you pick the CDT for your second trail?
    01:47:20 - How has the solitude been on the CDT?
    01:52:10 - How do you keep yourself happy and motivated when hiking alone?
    01:55:41 - What's one of the hard days you've had so far?
    01:58:20 - Are you considering slowing down to join up with other hikers?
    02:02:15 - Did you ever consider quitting?
    02:07:00 - Discussion about taking zero days to reset
    02:10:00 - Do you feel a greater sense of presence on this hike?
    02:11:56 - Tell us about getting charged by a moose
    02:23:00 - What else do you want to share about the CDT?
    02:25:10 - If you were the director of photography for the BPR studio, what would you do differently?
    02:26:20 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance enhancing or backpacking hack?
    Segments
    Processing
    Trek Propaganda
    Teen Hiker Dies in Grand Canyon National Park Amid Extreme Heat by Katie Jackson
    Why You Should Never Take Gear Advice to Heart by Izzy Wagner
    QOTD:  Would you rather A) every time you eat a particular meal, the rest of the world loses access to this meal for 24 hours, People know about this (may receive threats, but you are protected or B) anytime you use an air fryer or microwave, all others on earth become unusable until you finish using it (may receive threats, but you are protected)?
    Triple Crown of ways you'd behave differently if there were no ramifications
    Sun Hoodie Review
    Stupid Thing of the Week
    Processing Again
    Patent Pending
    Mail Bag
    5 Star Review
    [divider]
    Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
    Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
    Leave us a voicemail!
    Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
    Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.
    Advertise on Backpacker Radio
    Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
    Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
    Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. 
    Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.
    A super big thank you to our Bob Peoples Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "The Snail" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
    A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, Dakota J, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lloyd Harris, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.
  • Backpacker Radio

    Nasty Celebrity Encounters, Triple Crown of Things You Can Live Without But Should Be Free, and Do You Face the Showerhead?

    2026/07/02 | 1h 35 mins.
    Segments
    Nasty Celebrity Encounters
    Tribute to Bill Jensen
    Trek Propaganda: After 22,000 Miles of Thru-Hiking, This Is One of the Biggest Mistakes I See Beginners Make by Peg Leg
    QOTD: Do people face the shower head when they shower?
    Triple Crown of things you can easily live without, but nonetheless should be free for everyone
    Smitty's Experience Being Navajo in the US
    Mail Bag
    5 Star Review
    [divider]
    Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
    Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
    Leave us a voicemail!
    Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
    Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.
    Advertise on Backpacker Radio
    Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
    Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
    Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. 
    Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.
    A super big thank you to our Bob Peoples Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "The Snail" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
    A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, Dakota J, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lloyd Harris, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.
More Sports podcasts
About Backpacker Radio
From the Appalachian Trail to the Pacific Crest and everything in between. Backpacker Radio is a show all about the wonderful world that is thru-hiking and long distance backpacking. Co-hosts, Zach "Badger" Davis and Juliana "Chaunce" Chauncey muse on the backpacking life and the latest from the trail every other week. Topics include but are not limited to news, trail culture, interviews, gear, advice, and all you can eat buffets.
Podcast website

Listen to Backpacker Radio, Football Weekly and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app

Get the free radio.net app

  • Stations and podcasts to bookmark
  • Stream via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
  • Supports Carplay & Android Auto
  • Many other app features
Backpacker Radio: Podcasts in Family