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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
Hiking
Camino De Santiago
Trail Magic
Mental Health
Long-Distance Hiking
Katahdin
Continental Divide Trail
Pacific Crest Trail
South West Coast Path
Community
Thru-Hiking
Outdoor Recreation
Hurricane Helene
Covid-19
Personal Growth
Nature
Nomadic Lifestyle
Outdoor Adventure
Hiking Community

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

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes581Founded10 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
WildernessSports

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

Latest Episodes

I don't believe I give in to hyperbole that often, but these last three days have been the most dramatic of my entire thru-hike. Two separate visits to the Emergency Room would tend to support that assertion! It's been real!

Along the way, I manage... more

Nate and Amanda have gone home and I'm now hiking with Nuke again, as well as Lizard King. It is great to be in a small tramily as the hike draws to a close.

Along the way, I chatted with Huck, from Huckleberry's Hostel, as well as both Mike and Li... more

We're closing in on the end of this somewhat circuitous hike, with less than ten days and just over 100 miles to go. Many times, this has felt a fool's errand and an impossible task, yet here I am, on the brink of a third successful thru-hike on this... more

With less than 200 miles to go, Nate and I were joined by my friend, Amanda Aguilard, forming our southbound tramily for three days. We got cold but loved the challenge.

Along the way, I had a chat with Adam Stanley, or Stanimal, and his lovely par... more

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Recent Guests

Amanda Aguilard
Appalachian Trail hiker who joined Steve and Nate for three days.
Episode: Episode #588 - Days 185-188 Appalachian Trail 2026
Adam Stanley
Owner of Stanimal's hostel and shuttle service, with 13 seasons serving Appalachian Trail hikers.
Stanimal's
Episode: Episode #588 - Days 185-188 Appalachian Trail 2026
Epiphany (Piph)
Through-hiker known by the trail name Piph
Trail community / through-hiking circuit
Episode: Episode #586 - Days 178-181 Appalachian Trail 2026
Katie Westling
Trail angel who hosted and supported the hikers over the weekend
Trail angel / AT community
Episode: Episode #586 - Days 178-181 Appalachian Trail 2026
Nate Stockton
Trail buddy, nicknamed Turd Ferguson
Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail (guest on episode)
Episode: Episode #585 - Days 175-177 Appalachian Trail 2026
Bruce McKinnon
Also known as Slomo; encountered on the trail and interviewed
Trail acquaintance
Episode: Episode #585 - Days 175-177 Appalachian Trail 2026
Janis (JJ)
Latvian hiker interviewed at Gravel Springs Hut
Latvian family hikers
Episode: Episode #584 - Days 171-174 Appalachian Trail 2026
Tim (T-Time)
Companion/hiker featured in the final stretch, discussed as a close partner in the journey
Through-hiker featured in the episode
Episode: Episode #582 - Days 164-167 Appalachian Trail 2026
Samuel Tobin
Thru-hiker known as Crutches, recovering from serious injuries
Trail attendee
Episode: Episode #581 - Days 161-163 Appalachian Trail 2026

Host

Steve Adams
Retired Appalachian Trail thru-hiker and hiking author

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 688 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 year 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 States2 years 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 States2 years 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 States2 years 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 States2 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Some listeners find the episodes too long, and one review objects to the intro voice.
Hikers and aspiring hikers value the practical advice, trail experiences and varied guest interviews.
Steve's warm, witty and respectful narration makes long trail stories engaging and personal.
The stories are often described as inspiring, heartfelt, funny and appealing even to listeners who do not hike.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Episode #590 - Days 192-195 Appalachian Trail 2026
Q: Tell us about the hostel because it's an interesting setup as well.
Huck described a spread-out property with communal areas around a fire, spaces for privacy, a bunkhouse, an outdoor shower, and plans for cabins. He also explained that set hours for check-ins and shuttles help him manage the demanding season.
Episode #590 - Days 192-195 Appalachian Trail 2026
Q: What did you actually do to yours?
Nuke said he flushed dirt from the wound with available water, applied A&D ointment, then used compression and a sealed dressing to keep it clean and help it clot.
Episode #591 - Days 196-198 Appalachian Trail 2026
Q: First, why did you get off trail and were you injured?
Jana explained that her partner injured his ankle and their dog cut a paw pad. They left the trail for a few days, but the injuries did not improve enough, so they went home.
Episode #591 - Days 196-198 Appalachian Trail 2026
Q: Tell us how that came to be.
Jana said she attempted the Appalachian Trail in 2019 and became connected to the trail community. When Angels Rest Hostel came up for auction, she visited the property, gathered what she needed and bought it.
Episode #589 - Days 189-191 Appalachian Trail 2026
Q: What do you think you've learned on this trip?
Nate says his food bag needs to change. He explains that preparing more plant-based meals and cold-soaked dishes at home has improved his nutrition and energy, and discusses adjustments to his clothing, pack and shelter.

Audience Metrics

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

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

Long-form trail diaries follow Steve Adams on Appalachian Trail thru-hikes, combining day-by-day accounts of mileage, weather, injuries, gear, resupply and the changing demands of life on the trail. His personal narration is interspersed with conversations with fellow hikers, trail angels, hostel owners and people who maintain trail infrastructure, bringing practical knowledge and varied hiking experiences into the story.

The distinctive appeal is the blend of candid endurance storytelling and the social world that sustains a long-distance hike: friendships, trail magic, hostels and the logistics of moving through remote stretches. Listeners interested in planning a thru-hike can pick up details about gear and routines, while armchair hike... more

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1. Backpacker Radio
2. Backpacking & Blisters: A Hiking, Backpacking, and Adventure Show
3. Adventure Sports Podcast
4. Stuff You Should Know
5. Outside Podcast

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this podcast launched 10 years ago and published 581 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. Amanda Aguilard
2. Adam Stanley
3. Epiphany (Piph)
4. Katie Westling
5. Nate Stockton
6. Bruce McKinnon
7. Janis (JJ)
8. Tim (T-Time)

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