Rephonic
Artwork for HikeStrong Podcast
Tour Du Mont Blanc
Rim To Rim Hike
Trekking Poles
Hiking Preparation Training
Ultralight Backpacking
Kilimanjaro
Grand Canyon National Park
Chamonix
Mont Blanc
Hiking
Outdoor Adventure
Nutrition For Hiking
Elevation Training
Gossamer Gear
Adventure Racing
Hiking Fitness
Travel Logistics
Mountaineering
White Mountains
Non-Technical High-Altitude Trekking

The HikeStrong Podcast is where I share practical guidance on hiking, backpacking, and trekking preparation. Each episode blends fitness insight with real-world training strategies to help you build strength, endurance, and confidence for any trail.

I sit down with guests to break down how to train for demanding hiking, backpacking, and trekking goals using smart strength training, endurance train... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes37Founded2 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
WildernessHealth & FitnessSports

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Artwork for HikeStrong Podcast

Latest Episodes

Most hikers focus on the trail—almost no one understands what shapes the experience before they arrive.

What does it really take to create a great hiking experience—and who’s working behind the scenes to make it possible?

In this episode, Marcus Sh... more

In this episode of the Hike Strong Podcast, Marcus Shapiro sits down with Joel — a 63-year-old retired physician who went from a heart attack, beta-blockers, and years of declining fitness… to completing the Camino de Santiago and rediscovering what ... more

How do you train for Mount Kilimanjaro at 60+ without living near mountains?

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro isn’t just about summit night — it’s about the months of preparation beforehand.

In this episode, siblings Bob and Susan (both in their late 60s... more

Most hikers research hiking gear and watch gear reviews before a trip.

You’ve probably watched hiking gear videos before your last hike—but have you ever thought about who’s creating them?

In this episode, we step inside the world of user-generated... more

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Recent Guests

Ryan Heck
UGC creator and photographer for outdoor brands
Trekker Heck Photography
Episode: Who’s Really Behind the Hiking Gear Videos You Watch? | HikeStrong | Ep. 34
Dan Holz
Founder of Fieldborn Creative, photographer, and filmmaker
Fieldborn Creative
Episode: Inside the Outdoor Industry: Lessons from REI, Osprey, and Years Filming in the Field | HikeStrong | Ep. 33
Alex Ornhoff
Founder of The WanderWeGo Co, a hiking consultancy
The WanderWeGo Co
Episode: Swiss Alps Hiking at 63 – Part 2: From Training to the Trail | HikeStrong | Ep. 31
Chris Anderson
Former REI Guide of the Year and industry expert
Episode: What Every Traveler Should Know About Guides | Chris Anderson (Part 2) | Hike Strong Podcast | Ep. 21
Alex Harz
Filmmaker and Everest climber
The Quest Everest
Episode: 52 Days on Everest: It Will Break You - Unless You’re Ready. Alex Harz Was. | Hike Strong Podcast | Ep. 19
Tia Banks
Tia Banks is a professional athlete turned mountaineer, founder of Mind Over Mountains, and author.
Episode: Pro Athlete Turned Hiker Tia Banks’s Mind Over Mountains Journey After a Grade 5 Knee Tear | Hike Strong Podcast | Ep. 18
Carolyn Hardy
Senior Safari & Kilimanjaro Consultant
Thomson Safaris
Episode: Kilimanjaro Confidence Blueprint: Altitude Adaptation, Route Savvy, Guide Magic | Hike Strong Podcast | Ep. 16
Glen Van Peski
Founder of Gossamer Gear, ultralight backpacking pioneer, and author of "Take Less, Do More"
Gossamer Gear
Episode: Ultralight Wisdom: Glen Van Peski on Gear, Adventure, and Life Lessons | Hike Strong Podcast | Ep. 11
Nate Pipenberg
Ultralight column writer for Backpacker Magazine and Category Manager for Outside Magazine
Backpacker Magazine, Outside Magazine
Episode: Ultralight Backpacking Ideas for Beginners, Tips to Lighten Your Backpack, How to Transition to Lighter Backpacking | Hike Strong Podcast | Ep. 09

Host

Marcus Shapiro
Host of the Hike Strong Podcast

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 41 ratings
  • This podcast fuels my Kilimanjaro prep

    Stumbled onto HikeStrong while getting ready for my Kilimanjaro trek and it’s been an awesome find — super practical training tips wrapped up in a fun, easy listen. Marcus and his guests know their stuff and they keep it interesting and engaging. If you’re gearing up for any big hike or you’re just interested in hiking, this one’s a no-brainer!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MAShaw13
    United States14 days ago
  • Keeps me inspired

    As I get ready for my next hiking adventure, I always listen to the HikeStrong podcast. There’s always a great story about someone who overcame fitness, age-related or other challenges to accomplish their goal. I come away from each episode convinced if they can do it with the right training, so can I! Keep up the good work and great stories and information.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Nolamms
    United Statesa month ago
  • SO Motivating

    The latest episode about the retired dentist training for the Swiss Alps was so motivating for me. All the episodes are motivating but this one particularly hit home in moving from a more sedentary existence to being active in your retirement years. Thank you Marcos for providing such excellent services to all aspiring hikers and trekkers!!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JanTucson
    United States3 months ago
  • Awesome Help for

    I totally enjoy listening to each of Marcus’s podcasts and continue to gain knowledge for my treks.

    I reached out to Marcus for help with preparing for my el Camino in Spain a few years ago. Even though it wasn’t some outrageous mountain climb, I was a 67 year old woman who only did some day hiking. He worked through the details with me. I went on to do my Camino and totally enjoyed it! Most importantly, no injuries! Since then I’ve taken other trekking trips and am still using everything he ta... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Low Carb ASM
    United States3 months ago
  • Informative and Inspiring

    I started listening as I was preparing for a trek to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. I’ve learned so much good information about what to expect on Kili and also feel even more energized for my training. Plus, I’m inspired to plan other ambitious hikes as well.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    PA-28
    United States3 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Keeps me inspired with actionable training stories
Show is helpful for planning Kilimanjaro and other treks
Content is informative and inspiring for trek preparation
Listeners find the episodes motivating for aging athletes
Audience appreciates practical prep advice and real-world journeys

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Who’s Really Behind the Hiking Gear Videos You Watch? | HikeStrong | Ep. 34
Q: What does realistic UGC pay actually look like?
Realistic UGC pay ranges from $250 per project on average, with potential earnings going up to $4,500 a month per brand if done independently.
Who’s Really Behind the Hiking Gear Videos You Watch? | HikeStrong | Ep. 34
Q: What are the first signals that tell you that you're looking at branded content versus UGC?
Branded content could still be UGC, but signals include looking for content that appears like it came straight from a cell phone, indicating authenticity.
Inside the Outdoor Industry: Lessons from REI, Osprey, and Years Filming in the Field | HikeStrong | Ep. 33
Q: How do you create moments that feel authentic and emotional when working with higher talent?
It's important to hire the right talent, put them in environments where they're comfortable, and allow them to thrive naturally rather than pushing them into scripted actions.
Inside the Outdoor Industry: Lessons from REI, Osprey, and Years Filming in the Field | HikeStrong | Ep. 33
Q: What did you learn that you think most hikers still overlook, either about gear, fit, or how a pack should actually feel when someone's moving well on the trail?
A pack is just as important as your footwear; if those are not fitting correctly, you could get by with a poor-fitting shirt or jacket, but bad boots or a bad pack could end your trip.
Swiss Alps Hiking at 63 – Part 2: From Training to the Trail | HikeStrong | Ep. 31
Q: What advice would you give to someone who maybe wants to do something like this?
Just go. Once you have a basic trust, you'll have an experience that's beyond your expectations.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About HikeStrong Podcast

What is HikeStrong Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The show centers on practical training for hiking, backpacking, and trekking, blending strength work, endurance building, and conditioning with real-world program details. Listeners are drawn to week-by-week training breakdowns, elevation-gain focus, altitude preparation, and gear/guide insights that help people tackle major adventures like Kilimanjaro, hut-to-hut Alps treks, and long-distance routes. A notable strength is the emphasis on accessible training—often using stairs, treadmills, or small hills—to build elevation gain and confidence, plus candid conversations with guides, operators, and industry insiders that broaden perspectives on planning and safety for ambitious treks. Potential listeners who want actionable training plans, re... more

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Which podcasts are similar to HikeStrong Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with HikeStrong Podcast:

1. Uphill Athlete Podcast
2. Trails Worth Hiking
3. The Frommer's Travel Show
4. Backpacker Radio
5. The Rich Roll Podcast

How many episodes of HikeStrong Podcast are there?

HikeStrong Podcast launched 2 years ago and published 37 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on HikeStrong Podcast?

Recent guests on HikeStrong Podcast include:

1. Ryan Heck
2. Dan Holz
3. Alex Ornhoff
4. Chris Anderson
5. Alex Harz
6. Tia Banks
7. Carolyn Hardy
8. Glen Van Peski

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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