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Artwork for Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate Mid-Life Crisis

Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate Mid-Life Crisis

Steve Adams
Appalachian Trail
Trail Magic
Long-Distance Hiking
Hiking
Outdoor Adventure
Camino De Santiago
Mental Health
Nursing
Covid-19
Brain Tumor
Hadrian's Wall Path
Portuguese Camino
Hiking Community
Personal Growth
Pacific Crest Trail
Camino Francés
John Muir Trail
Les Francés
Eastern Continental Trail
Occupational Therapy

An overweight, 61-year-old retiree, with zero hiking experience, decided to hike the entire 2,185.3 mile length of the Appalachian Trail in 2014. What could possibly go wrong? As his brother, Mike, commented, "It's a bit like taking up boxing and fighting Mike Tyson in your first bout." Join Steve and his guests as they discuss all aspects of the trail, from gear to Lyme Disease, then back to trai... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes503Founded9 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
SportsWilderness

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Artwork for Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate Mid-Life Crisis

Latest Episodes

Lisa Laidlow came to the trail when she became an empty-nester. She had always been an outdoor girl–often along with her father–yet it was only fairly recently that she returned to hiking and discovered the idea of a thru-hike.

As a black woman on ... more

James Dalberto, or Nomad, joins the podcast today. James has been an RV'er for the past few years, earning a living as a "starving artist" (his words) all over the country. This year, he decided to mix it up a bit and headed out onto the Appalachian ... more

Very limited notes this month, mainly because I'm away and rushing to get this out on Wednesday evening!!

It was an honor to be chosen to present the Saturday evening keynote speech at ALDHA last weekend. I picked my own guests–and subjects–and the... more

We meet an unusual hiker this week. Ken Posner has been a long-distance runner and hiker over the years, yet he has gradually morphed into a barefoot runner and hiker. Ken and I discuss this–to me–bizarre footwear choice, and he makes a compelling ca... more

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Recent Guests

Lisa Laidlow
New thru-hiker and outdoor enthusiast who recently completed the Appalachian Trail
Episode: Episode #513 - Lisa Laidlow (High Viz)
James Dalberto
A free spirit and hiker who completed his through-hike of the Appalachian Trail.
Episode: Episode #512 - James Dalberto (Nomad)
Mills Kelly
Expert on the history of the Appalachian Trail shelters
Episode: Episode #511 - The ALDHA Gathering - October 2025
Dennis Newton
Leader at ALDHA, focusing on trail stewardship and community building
Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association
Episode: Episode #511 - The ALDHA Gathering - October 2025
Ken Posner
An experienced hiker and runner who practices barefoot hiking
Episode: Episode #510 - Ken Posner (Barefoot Ken)
Chrissie Schubert
A devoted mother who is hiking with her daughter Ady on the Appalachian Trail next year.
Episode: Episode #509 - Chrissy and Ady Schubert
Glenn Sweitzer
Fascinating storyteller with a background in the country music scene.
Episode: Episode #507 - Glenn Sweitzer (Wanderer)
Sandra Katerina Schmelzer Alvarez
A Venezuelan hiker who recently completed a through hike on the Appalachian Trail, known as Peaches.
Episode: Episode #506 - Sandra Katerina Schmelzer Alvarez (Peaches)
Roxanne Strine
A 70-year-old Appalachian Trail through hiker, known as Idiot Runner.
Episode: Episode #505 - Roxanne Strine (Idiot Runner)

Host

Steve Adams
Host of Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate Mid-Life Crisis, Steve shares his compelling journey of hiking the Appalachian Trail starting from zero experience and discusses various aspects related to long-distance hiking, gear, and the insights gained from his numerous guests.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 668 ratings
  • OBO the Show!

    I found this podcast in March of this year at a time when I was dreaming of the great outdoors and wanting to “get away”. This show has transported me to the Appalachian Trail and beyond. I started with the first shows and have worked my way up to #205. But, I also want to know what’s going on currently, so I listen to the new releases as well #477 - #508! Hopefully, my listening flip flop (or OBO as Steve prefers) will meet in the middle before I step on the trail for my own through hike (O... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Hoppy on the Trail
    United Statesa month ago
  • Too long

    The podcast is still too long. Keep it to 30 or 60 minutes or less. And the woman’s voice at the intro is painful to listen to. Otherwise, the guests are interesting.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Sarita7981
    United States6 months ago
  • First time listening

    Been trying to find a podcast “ P1” and find this show fits the bill.

    The host is way cool. Funny. Respectful. Wry as a sonofagun.

    Up until last year only dreamed of hiking again. Glad I found this podcast as I have been training to hike the CO Trail but the At holds a fond piece of my heart. I live 3 hours from the start of the AT and this podcast has me driving to the trailhead tomorrow and my son is gonna drop me off on Monday. I am gonna give it a go. I am 67. You inspired me today. Thanks... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    3 for 10
    United States8 months ago
  • Too long

    The podcast is still too long. Keep it to 30 or 60 minutes less. And the woman’s voice at the intro is painful to listen to. Otherwise, the guests are interesting.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Sarita7981
    United States9 months ago
  • Hiking podcast!

    Thank you so much for doing this podcast! I love hiking and plan to do more and longer hikes in my retirement. This is great information to help me.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    kenhagen
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

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

The host's engaging style and personal anecdotes add depth to the episodes, making it enjoyable even for those who do not hike.
The sense of community and camaraderie is a strong theme, resonating especially with those who appreciate outdoor adventure and personal challenges.
Some viewers note that the podcast could be shorter, as they find certain episodes too lengthy, though the content generally remains interesting.
Listeners appreciate the variety of guest stories and experiences related to hiking, finding many of them inspiring and relatable.

Chart Rankings

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Episode #513 - Lisa Laidlow (High Viz)
Q: What was the pull for you to get back into the outdoors?
I wanted to return to what I experienced as a young child and find something meaningful as an empty nester.
Episode #513 - Lisa Laidlow (High Viz)
Q: Did you lose much weight?
I lost 30 pounds during the hike.
Episode #513 - Lisa Laidlow (High Viz)
Q: How are you feeling right now, by the way?
I feel pretty good. It's been a month. I've had some time to rest but my feet still hurt a bit.
Episode #509 - Chrissy and Ady Schubert
Q: When did you first feel that something wasn't quite right with Ady?
Chrissie noticed something was wrong when Ady became ill as an infant and lost her connection, leading to her autism diagnosis.
Episode #507 - Glenn Sweitzer (Wanderer)
Q: What had you set out to achieve with the film?
Initially, I wanted to focus on through hikers' stories, but it evolved into a more comprehensive exploration of health benefits and mental health.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

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

The content focuses primarily on the challenges and triumphs of hiking the Appalachian Trail, showcasing personal experiences from both the host and various guests. Listeners can expect discussions on an array of topics related to long-distance hiking, such as overcoming physical and mental barriers, the sense of community among hikers, essential gear and preparations, and heartwarming stories of resilience. Unique narratives include how hiking serves as a form of healing, personal transformation, and the shared adventures of individuals from different walks of life who tackle the daunting journey of the AT. Noteworthy is the blend of humor, compassion, and practical advice offered, making it appealing for both seasoned hikers and those con... more

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These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. The Backpacking Podcast presented by Outdoor Vitals
2. Backpacker Radio
3. Backpacking Light Podcast
4. Adventure Sports Podcast
5. Wild Ideas Worth Living

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this podcast launched 9 years ago and published 503 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 this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Lisa Laidlow
2. James Dalberto
3. Mills Kelly
4. Dennis Newton
5. Ken Posner
6. Chrissie Schubert
7. Glenn Sweitzer
8. Sandra Katerina Schmelzer Alvarez

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