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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 weeklyEpisodes561Founded10 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

We're not only pushing through New Hampshire, but we've reached the spot where the rubber meets the road; namely, Mt Moosilauke, the first of the 4000-footers that we climb. It was an exhilarating climb, yet one well within my capabilities.

Along t... more

We're at last in New Hampshire, and the drama is ramping up, with longer, higher, and more intense climbs. From previous experience, I know that I've only done the easiest section of New Hampshire so far, but I'm ready to embrace Moosilauke by the ti... more

A very short episode today, with just three days to report and no interviews. Such are the problems of reporting from a trail with limited WiFi opportunities!!

I'm using Polarsteps to record my AT thru-hike this year. If you'd like to follow my pro... more

Vermont has been an unexpected pleasure. I don't recall it giving me such great hiking last time, and that, along with new and old friends, has made this last state before the"Big Two" a time of pure joy.

Along the way, I met Thais at the Wicked Wa... more

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Recent Guests

Moss Man
Through-hiker interviewed about trail life and experiences
Episode: Episode #570 - Days 122-125 Appalachian Trail 2026
Plus One
Hiker with dog Maisie, shared experiences of hiking north to south
AT hiker
Episode: Episode #567 - Days 112-114 Appalachian Trail 2026
Nat Geo
Nature enthusiast guest with a background in natural science
Nature/Geography interest
Episode: Episode #566 - Days 108-111 Appalachian Trail 2026
Lauren (Dash)
Trail companion interviewed about hiking with Nat Geo
Hiker on trail
Episode: Episode #566 - Days 108-111 Appalachian Trail 2026
Renée (Firebug)
Trail angel organizing hiker appreciation cookout
Local community volunteer
Episode: Episode #566 - Days 108-111 Appalachian Trail 2026
Dr. Lynne
Physician providing care and support to the host on the trail
Episode: Episode #563 - Days 98-100 Appalachian Trail 2026
Emily Timberdoodle
Hiker from Pennsylvania, trail name Timberdoodle
Trail community
Episode: Episode #562 - Days 94-97 Appalachian Trail 2026
Josh Bobo
Hiker from Pennsylvania, trail name Bobo
Trail community
Episode: Episode #562 - Days 94-97 Appalachian Trail 2026
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

Host

Steve Adams
Host with a long-running range of episodes; central voice guiding conversations about trail life, gear, and community.

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 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 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 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.

Listeners praise the host's preparedness, honesty, and engaging interviewing style.
Fans love the mix of hard-hitting trail topics and heartfelt personal stories.
Critiques note some episodes run long, with calls for tighter editing.

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 #570 - Days 122-125 Appalachian Trail 2026
Q: And what was the dream? Why do you want to do this?
The guest explains a sense of ambition and adventure, wanting to travel in a fun, interesting way on foot and proving to themselves that they could complete such a challenging journey.
Episode #566 - Days 108-111 Appalachian Trail 2026
Q: How does partnering with another hiker change the daily plan?
Partners help balance pace and motivation; planning together creates predictable resupply points and shared decision-making while still allowing personal pace.
Episode #565 - Days 105-107 Appalachian Trail 2026
Q: Why did Ellie choose the Appalachian Trail over other long-distance routes like the PCT?
Ellie wanted the freedom to start on the first day of spring and to have a location she knew she could manage independently, while also seeking a setting that felt like a new beginning post-divorce.
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.

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?

The show centers on long-distance hiking culture, with a heavy emphasis on Appalachian Trail through-hiking experiences, practical trail logistics, gear debates, and community-driven trail support. Episodes weave day-by-day trek diaries with interviews ranging from hostel operators and trail angels to fellow hikers and medical professionals, often highlighting the social fabric, camaraderie, and behind-the-scenes logistics that sustain through-hikes. A recurring strength is the host's blend of personal storytelling, humor, and thoughtful questions, which yields colorful shelter-life anecdotes, volunteer-driven trail magic, and real-world advice for prospective hikers and sponsors alike. Noteworthy are frequent on-trail collaborations, in-de... more

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1. Backpacker Radio
2. Backpacking & Blisters: A Hiking, Backpacking, and Adventure Show
3. "Jester" Section Hiker
4. Outside Podcast
5. Adventure Sports Podcast

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this podcast launched 10 years ago and published 561 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. Moss Man
2. Plus One
3. Nat Geo
4. Lauren (Dash)
5. Renée (Firebug)
6. Dr. Lynne
7. Emily Timberdoodle
8. Josh Bobo

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