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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 weeklyEpisodes579Founded10 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 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

Virginia is providing us with spectacularly beautiful views and leaf-peeping, as well as some of the wettest and hottest days of this trip. Along with that, the hiking is challenging but definitely doable. The really good news is that I'm on target t... more

These past four days have been spent hiking with Nate, and in the last couple of days, we have been blessed by our personal trail angel, Katie Westling. We're crushing the miles and I'm now just 236 miles from the end.

Along the way, I met Leah, or... more

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Recent Guests

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
Andrew Detour
Long-distance hiker the host met on the trail
Episode: Episode #579 - Days 154-156 Appalachian Trail 2026
Molli McCarthy
Hiker who previously completed the AT in 2014 and rejoined the trail
Episode: Episode #579 - Days 154-156 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 687 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 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.

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 #584 - Days 171-174 Appalachian Trail 2026
Q: When did you first learn about the Appalachian Trail?
The Latvian family member explains it was about ten years ago, inspired by Bill Bryson's book, and the idea eventually grew into a real plan after considering the challenge and family participation.
Episode #581 - Days 161-163 Appalachian Trail 2026
Q: How has meeting other hikers affected your journey?
Interacting with fellow hikers and Sobo hikers provides encouragement, shared stories, and a sense of community that motivates continuing through the wilderness.
Episode #581 - Days 161-163 Appalachian Trail 2026
Q: What motivates you to keep going near the end of the hike?
The guest reflects on the emotional payoff of seeing a long-held dream come true, yet acknowledges there is still a substantial distance left, driving perseverance and forward momentum.
Episode #581 - Days 161-163 Appalachian Trail 2026
Q: What are your big takeaways so far?
The guest emphasizes a sense of accomplishment and the reality that completing such a tough trek is a major, hard-earned achievement, with ongoing physical and mental challenges along the way.
Episode #579 - Days 154-156 Appalachian Trail 2026
Q: What got you out here in the first place from Britain?
A mix of boredom with work and inspiration from a film/book that sparked the idea to pursue the AT, leading to quitting a marketing job and setting off to hike the trail.

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 579 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. Epiphany (Piph)
2. Katie Westling
3. Nate Stockton
4. Bruce McKinnon
5. Janis (JJ)
6. Tim (T-Time)
7. Samuel Tobin
8. Andrew Detour

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