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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 weeklyEpisodes554Founded10 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

With the rocks finding new ways to hurt me, I'm falling a little too often for comfort. I'm now into Massachusetts, so I know that the rocks will only grow more vicious as I head north. I need to work out what's happening before I hurt myself really ... more

I'm into Connecticut now, with the terrain a little more benign than the past few weeks. Added to this, I'm on a bit of a slackpacking run with my friend, Dr Lynne, so my progress is good.

i wasn't able to snag any other thru-hikers these past few ... more

Smoke from Canada and heat have conspired to test me this week, though it was the smoke that was likely more dangerous. That said, another state, New Tork, will be in the rear view mirror by this Tuesday.

Along the way, I interviewed Bobo and Timbe... more

It's been another steamy few days that have fully exhausted me. Miles have become harder due to my tiredness, not the terrain. I'm hoping a change in the weather will revive me once more.

Along the way, I chatted with Mom, Opera, and son Sedimentar... more

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Recent Guests

Starr (Whippa Will)
A hiker encountered on the trail, partner of Whippoorwill, with a trail name
Through Hike participant
Episode: Episode #560 - Days 87-90 Appalachian Trail 2026
Whippa Will
Trail name for Starr's companion, herbalist mentioned during conversations
Through Hike participant
Episode: Episode #560 - Days 87-90 Appalachian Trail 2026
Marley Joy
Leader of the Amish Girls Trail Magic (as introduced on the episode)
Amish Girls Trail Magic
Episode: Episode #559 - Days 84-86 Appalachian Trail 2026
Bern Leibensberger
Hostel operator at Lookout Hostel, involved with trail magic
Lookout Hostel
Episode: Episode #558 - Days 80-83 Appalachian Trail 2026
Mike DiCello
Trail maintainer and supporter of the podcast
Episode: Episode #558 - Days 80-83 Appalachian Trail 2026
Eric Redinger
Owner of Stay at Swatara hostel
Stay at Swatara
Episode: Episode #557 - Day 77-79 Appalachian Trail 2026
Bounce Da Hiker
Previous guest on the show, author and hiker
Episode: Episode #556 - Days 73-76 Appalachian Trail 2026
Dennis Sewell
Car shuttle driver for hikers at Penm ar Park
Episode: Episode #555 - Days 70-72 Appalachian Trail 2026
Lucky Charms
Hiker encountered on the trail, part of the Four State Challenge interviewees
Episode: Episode #555 - Days 70-72 Appalachian Trail 2026

Host

Steve
Host of the podcast; steady presence guiding long-form conversations and trail storytelling.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 682 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 States10 months 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 Statesa year 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 Statesa year 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 Statesa year 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 feedback notes the episodes can be long and the intro voice is polarizing for a few listeners.
Listener praise for inspirational storytelling and practical hiking insights.
Positive remarks about host warmth and guest variety, with appreciation for personal growth themes.
Consistently appealing to both die-hard hikers and newcomers curious about life on the AT.

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 #552 - Greg Fisher (Dolphin)
Q: What did you learn from the shin spins experience and the support you received on the trail?
That the trail community will rally around you in times of need, and that pacing and rest are crucial; the help from Doc and the broader hiker network turned a potential end to the hike into a renewed commitment to finish.
Episode #551 - Steve Adams (Mighty Blue) - A.T. 2026 debrief
Q: What's the most important piece of advice for someone attempting the hike?
Start slowly and ramp up gradually, eight to ten miles a day at first, to let your body find the rhythm and prevent injury; also plan your finish by choosing a strong, memorable image for the top of Katahdin.
Episode #549 - Days 59-62 Appalachian Trail 2026
Q: How did you become Baloo on the trail?
Baloo explains that the nickname came from a lunch and a lighthearted, in-the-moment moment with a group that made the character stick, turning a casual interaction into a trail identity.
Episode #548 - Days 56-58 Appalachian Trail 2026
Q: So Twister, is Beef the one who drives you on to do things or do you push each other equally?
We both push each other; we inspired each other to take on challenging trips, and we coax one another toward bigger goals while supporting the other in tough moments.
Episode #546 - Days 49-51 Appalachian Trail 2026
Q: How does the dynamic work, you and your son hiking together?
They operate as a team, balancing pace and capability, with mutual support and shared planning while preserving their individual needs and learning along the way.

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?

This show centers on long-distance hiking, trail culture, and mid-life adventures along the Appalachian Trail. Episodes often mix diary-style storytelling with guest interviews about gear, trail logistics, and community dynamics at events like Trail Days. Notable through-lines include entrepreneurship tied to hiking life, gear innovations, and personal resilience on and off the trail. The format tends to blend practical hiking tips with heartfelt storytelling, making it appealing to both seasoned hikers and those curious about long-distance journeys or outdoor entrepreneurship.

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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Backpacker Radio
2. The Backpacking Podcast presented by Outdoor Vitals
3. Backpacking & Blisters: A Hiking, Backpacking, and Adventure Show
4. "Jester" Section Hiker
5. The Dirtbag Diaries

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 10 years ago and published 554 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. Starr (Whippa Will)
2. Whippa Will
3. Marley Joy
4. Bern Leibensberger
5. Mike DiCello
6. Eric Redinger
7. Bounce Da Hiker
8. Dennis Sewell

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