Best Collyn Podcasts (2025)

1
Album Millionaire Game 6 7:48

20h ago7:48

7:48

In this Season 7 episode, my wife guest stars and tries to answer 10 album/artist questions correctly in a similar format to Who Wants to Be A Millionaire?

1
Episode #481 - Guinevere Drabik (Lucky) 1:13:41

5d ago1:13:41

1:13:41

We have such an interesting guest this week. Guinevere Drabik, or Lucky. She thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2023 and found a community that she had been looking for. She shares great stories about her time on trail and recalls several people who influenced her hike, with a dry wit that really made me laugh. You can see more of Guinevere on Ins…

1
Vision Quest Soundtrack 24:12

8d ago24:12

24:12

In this Season 7 episode, I discuss the Vision Quest soundtrack, giving a quick history of the movie, how the soundtrack came together, a rundown of the songs, my own personal take and ranking of the songs, and my overall rating of the album.

1
Episode #480 - Anna McKinney Smith (Magic) 1:08:39

12d ago1:08:39

1:08:39

Anna McKinney Smith, a 2021 thru-hiker, is our guest today. Anna found her people out on trail and, more significantly, she also found her person, who became her husband. Anna referred to having a “common purpose of forward momentum” that appealed to her, and she has since been a writer for the Trek and opened her own blog about hiking, called Magi…

1
Book Review: Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All-Time 7:58

15d ago7:58

7:58

In this Season 7 episode, I give a brief review of the Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Albums of All-Time."

1
Episode #479 - Melanie Wood (Aphrodite) 1:16:07

19d ago1:16:07

1:16:07

Melanie Wood is our guest this week. She hiked SOBO last year, running into the devastation of Helene with about 700 miles to go, having to prematurely end her hike. She is still recognized as a thru-hiker because, quite rightly, she hiked the trail that was available. Melanie went on to write about her experiences on the trail, giving a positive o…

1
Foreigner's "Foreigner" 23:51

22d ago23:51

23:51

In this Season 7 episode, I discuss Foreigner's debut album, Foreigner, giving a quick history of how the album came together, a rundown of the songs, my own personal take and ranking of the songs, and my overall rating of the album.

1
Episode #478 - Annika Ananias (Ravenclaw) 1:16:50

24d ago1:16:50

1:16:50

We have a German hiker on the podcast this week. Annika Ananias recently flew into the US to hike the Arizona Trail with her American boyfriend, when she was pulled out of line, harshly interrogated, deported, and banned from re-entering the country for five years. This, despite having a ten-year visa. She has a compelling story. I wanted to hear f…

1
First Words 5 5:36

29d ago5:36

5:36

In this Season 7 episode, my wife guest stars and gives me the first word of song titles from albums from my collection and I have to guess the album.

1
Episode #477 - Bill Zyckowski (Big Willy Dawg) 1:28:03

1M ago1:28:03

1:28:03

This week, we meet Bill Zyckowski, or Big Willy Dawg. Bill is a retired police officer who truly needed a walk in the woods to bring some meaning to his life. As you’ll hear, he embraced it thoroughly, forming a strong bond with his fellow hikers, the majority of whom were decades younger. He emerged changed, as many of us do. You can learn more ab…

1
Warren Zevon's "Excitable Boy" 22:44

1M ago22:44

22:44

In this Season 7 episode, I discuss Warren Zevon's hit album, Excitable Boy, giving a quick history of how the album came together, a rundown of the songs, my own personal take and ranking of the songs, and my overall rating of the album.

1
Episode #476 - Nicole Markovich (Droplet) 1:30:42

1M ago1:30:42

1:30:42

Nicole Markovich joins us on the podcast to tell us about her 2022 AT thru-hike, the drastic changes to her life that ensued, and the ultimate formation of a business that encompassed both her teaching and backpacking experience. As if that wasn’t enough, she also met the man who would become her boyfriend at Springer Mountain the first night on tr…

1
Hall of Shame: Boston 7:51

1M ago7:51

7:51

In this Season 7 episode, I discuss why I think Boston should be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

1
Episode #475 - Nick Panetta 1:29:55

2M ago1:29:55

1:29:55

Nick Panetta is our guest this week. He is an avid section hiker on the Appalachian Trail, and a stickler for detail. He attempted a southbound thru-hike back in 2012, was woefully ill-prepared, and only made it part of the way through the 100 Mile Wilderness. Undeterred, perhaps even more determined, Nick went away and started to understand the re…

1
Peter Frampton's "Frampton" 21:54

2M ago21:54

21:54

In this Season 7 episode, I discuss Peter Frampton's hit album, Frampton, giving a quick history of how the album came together, a rundown of the songs, my own personal take and ranking of the songs, and my overall rating of the album.

1
Episode #474 - Shelley Harris (Hopscotch) 1:25:38

2M ago1:25:38

1:25:38

I saw a great Facebook post on one of the Appalachian Trail pages recently. Shelley Harris (Hopscotch) wrote her reflections after her thru-hike, offering common sense solutions to those contemplating such an adventure. Basically, Shelley suggested that you can figure it out as you go along, and you shouldn’t stress the details. Our over-cautious, …

1
Synonymous Albums 5 6:34

2M ago6:34

6:34

In this Season 8 episode, my wife guest stars and has to guess the album title from my personal collection after the main words were replaced with synonyms.

1
Episode #473 - JC Van Etten (Catmando) Triple Crowner 1:29:51

2M ago1:29:51

1:29:51

JC Van Etten, or Catmando returns to the show. We first met him on the Appalachian Trail a few years ago, I seem to have missed him on the PCT, but caught up with him again after his Continental Divide Trail thru-hike last year to complete his Triple Crown. Cat is a great raconteur, sharing plenty of advice through our conversation, as well as reco…

1
Bruce Springsteen's "Letter To You" 26:32

2M ago26:32

26:32

In this Season 7 episode, I discuss Bruce Springsteen's recent album, Letter To You, giving a quick history of how the album came together, a rundown of the songs, my own personal take and ranking of the songs, and my overall rating of the album.

1
Episode #472 - David Alan Lane (Squarepeg) 1:18:40

2M ago1:18:40

1:18:40

We meet David Alan Lane, aka Squarepeg, today. David has been sharing his trail experience extensively over the past few years on Facebook. He helps with all sorts of advice, including gear and what to eat out on trail. It’s a cherished resource for hikers. Now, David has put together another Facebook page that is ambitious in its scope. He has for…

1
Movie Review: "Beatles '64" 6:57

2M ago6:57

6:57

In this Season 7 episode, I discuss some of the interesting moments from the documentary, "Beatles '64."

1
Episode #471 - Tina Tempest (Chunky) 1:12:44

3M ago1:12:44

1:12:44

We have Tina Tempest on the show today. Tina, or Chunky, completed a SOBO thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2009. The trail had such an impact upon her life, that she and her husband, Brett, ultimately opened the Quarter Way Inn, a hostel near Marion, Virginia. Tina’s breakfast at the hostel is the stuff of legend! But it is one of her side bus…

1
The Police's "Ghost in the Machine" 24:11

3M ago24:11

24:11

In this Season 7 episode, I discuss The Police's hit album, Ghost in the Machine, giving a quick history of how the album came together, a rundown of the songs, my own personal take and ranking of the songs, and my overall rating of the album.

1
Episode #470 - Nick Thatcher (Hotfoot) 1:05:23

3M ago1:05:23

1:05:23

Our main guest today is Nick Thatcher, who I found when he posted an epic Katahdin summit picture on Facebook. I hoped there would be more to his story than a December summit, so I reached out to him. He shared a story of determination and drive, culminating in that epic picture on the top of Katahdin. Nick made some intelligent choices for his hik…

1
Album Cover Password 9 6:36

3M ago6:36

6:36

In this Season 7 episode, my wife guest stars and tries to describe three album covers from my collection using only five single-word clues.

1
Episode #469 - Dr Lydia Kuhn (Tetris) 1:20:30

3M ago1:20:30

1:20:30

Dr Lydia Kuhn joins us this week to talk about both her Appalachian Trail thru-hike in 2020, and her CDT thru-hike last year, proving herself to be a “true badass.” She reminds us of the need to live your life on your terms, and not to be constrained by how others might want you to live your life. Lydia also shares some information on wilderness me…

1
Pink Floyd's "The Wall" 33:23

3M ago33:23

33:23

In this Season 7 episode, I discuss Pink Floyd's hit album, The Wall, giving a quick history of how the album came together, a rundown of the songs, my own personal take and ranking of the songs, and my overall rating of the album.

1
Episode #468 - David Kibiloski (Texas) 1:10:13

3M ago1:10:13

1:10:13

David Kibiloski is our guest today. What starts as a story about his Appalachian Trail thru-hike, tracks his evolution into an AT hostel owner, then a 501(c)(3) with AT Kids, followed by Stumble Inn 2.0. It is a fascinating journey. You can follow David on his website, at The Stumble Inn and AT KIDS - A Perfect Partnership. We also started what I h…

1
In Memory: 2024 7:02

3M ago7:02

7:02

In this Season 7 episode, I give a brief rundown of some of the musical artists that were lost in 2024.

1
Episode #467 - Al Marriott (Lookout) Triple Crowner 54:47

3M ago54:47

54:47

Today, we welcome back a friend of the show, a fellow Brit, Al Marriott. Al has already been on for his AT and PCT adventures, but last year he went and completed the CDT to complete his Triple Crown. He is always good value, with some wry observations about these trails and stories to share along the way. Here, you can check out his last day on th…

1
John Cougar Mellencamp's "Scarecrow" 24:10

4M ago24:10

24:10

In this Season 7 episode, I discuss John Cougar Mellencamp's hit album, Scarecrow, giving a quick history of how the album came together, a rundown of the songs, my own personal take and ranking of the songs, and my overall rating of the album.

1
Episode #466 - Collyn Nielsen (Doc) Hiker Trash Radio 54:21

4M ago54:21

54:21

We have a fellow hiking podcaster on the show today. Collyn Nielsen, known as Doc to his listeners, is the host of Hiker Trash Radio. The show was originally the John Freakin' Muir Podcast, but Doc extended its remit by re-branding to reach a wider audience, speaking to climbers, kayakers and others who spend their time in the outdoors. You can fin…

1
Elton John or Meat Loaf Game 7 6:43

4M ago6:43

6:43

In this Season 7 episode, my wife guest stars and has to guess if a given lyric was sung by Elton John or Meat Loaf.

1
Episode #465 - Wyly O'Brien (Calamity Jane) 1:05:01

4M ago1:05:01

1:05:01

Wyly O’Brien, or Calamity Jane, is our guest today. Wyly attempted her thru-hike in 2007, researched the trail and her gear to give herself the best chance ot completing the hike, and began with a self-confidence that was ultimately shattered when she quit the trail after more than 1600 miles. Wyly shares her story of what happened and what she lea…

1
Don McLean's "American Pie" 24:04

4M ago24:04

24:04

In this Season 7 episode, I discuss Don McLean's hit album, American Pie, giving a quick history of how the album came together, a rundown of the songs, my own personal take and ranking of the songs, and my overall rating of the album.

1
Episode #464 - Beth Bakke Stenehjem and Dave Santi (Mighty Blue Class of 2025) 1:01:28

4M ago1:01:28

1:01:28

Today, we meet the two members of the Mighty Blue Class of 2025, with Beth Bakke Stenehjem and Dave Santi under the spotlight. Beth is my friend, having hiked twice with her, enjoying her sunny smile and encouraging manner. She’s heading out there at the end of March, with her stepson, Andrew. The two of them will make a terrific couple as they plo…

1
On This Date: December 23, 1989 6:52

4M ago6:52

6:52

In this Season 7 episode, I look back at the top 10 albums on the Billboard 200 and the top 10 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 on December 23, 1989.

1
Episode #463 - Daniel Shaw (Team Whimsy) 1:05:14

4M ago1:05:14

1:05:14

Daniel Shaw, of Team Whimsy, give us his view of some of the Hurricane Helene clean up and recovery, meeting people where they are, on their worst day ever, when they need someone to show up and help. It is a fascinating model for a 501c3 that can have countrywide effect, with a sign up to help within your own community and beyond. I hope that list…

1
The Monkees' "The Monkees" 22:27

4M ago22:27

22:27

In this Season 7 episode, I discuss The Monkees' debut album, The Monkees, giving a quick history of how the album came together, a rundown of the songs, my own personal take and ranking of the songs, and my overall rating of the album.

1
Episode #462 - Jessica and Largo Sueiro (Sunshine and Captain) 1:05:16

5M ago1:05:16

1:05:16

We’ve got a couple of free spirits on the show today, who happen to be mother and son. Jessica and Largo Sueiro, went on a big adventure this year; taking on the Appalachian Trail. As a family, they have lived unconventional lives, yet this half-year of mother and son bonding must have been precious to them both, combining their hiking, Largo’s sch…

1
Music Scattegories 8 6:50

5M ago6:50

6:50

In this Season 7 episode, my wife guest stars and we play a game of musical scattegories.

1
Episode #461 - John Turner (Raven) 58:27

5M ago58:27

58:27

John Turner is an avid listener to our HRN podcasts and is a board member of the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club–and a trail ambassador. John completed a five-year section hike in 2022, and is here to share his story with us. We have a wide-ranging chat; not only about his hike, but his work with GATC, and his new book, Killing the Buddha on the App…

1
Rocky II Soundtrack 22:38

5M ago22:38

22:38

In this Season 7 episode, I discuss the Rocky II soundtrack, giving a quick history of the movie, how the soundtrack came together, a rundown of the songs, my own personal take and ranking of the songs, and my overall rating of the album.

1
Episode #460 - Dave Fleischman (J.I.F.) 57:01

5M ago57:01

57:01

This week, we welcome back Dave Fleischman, a trail maintainer and a newly minted Triple Crowner. Dave already had the PCT and the AT under his belt, after hikes back in the 90s. Suddenly, the opportunity arose to do the CDT, so he headed back out. On this Thanksgiving Day, it is worth being grateful for so many things, yet Dave personifies the sel…

1
2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees 9:02

5M ago9:02

9:02

In this Season 7 episode, I discuss the 2024 inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

1
Episode #459 - Katie Westling (Phoenix) 59:08

5M ago59:08

59:08

We’ve got a bit of a change of pace this week, with previous AT thru-hiker, Katie Westling, sharing her past year of adventures, with hikes in France, Ireland, and England. Katie started with the Tour du Mont Blanc last year, then headed over to Ireland for the Dingle Way this year, followed by Hadrian’s Wall Path soon after. Katie shares her hike …

1
Prince and the Revolution's "Purple Rain" 27:33

5M ago27:33

27:33

In this Season 7 episode, I discuss Prince and the Revolution's hit album, Purple Rain, giving a quick history of how the album came together, a rundown of the songs, my own personal take and ranking of the songs, and my overall rating of the album.

1
Episode #458 - Frank Mularcik (Snowman) 52:24

6M ago52:24

52:24

Frank Mularcik, who recently completed a 100-day SOBO thru-hike, is our guest today. Frank reached out to me a few weeks before he finished, then followed up once he reached Springer Mountain. You’ll be impressed by Frank’s can-do attitude, bringing a practicality to his hike that stood him in good stead. He discovered on the trail–as we all do–tha…

1
Before and Afters Game 5 6:21

6M ago6:21

6:21

In this Season 7 episode, my wife guest stars and tries to correctly identify the combining word between two songs.

1
Episode #457 - George Eshleman (Keeper) 56:21

6M ago56:21

56:21

It’s a slightly shorter show than usual this week, but it is about as powerful as any of my interviews have ever been. Our guest is George Eshleman, or Keeper, who hiked the Appalachian Trail with 363 nametags of military personnel who have committed suicide. George chose to do this in honor of his own friend and hiking partner, who had committed s…

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