Explore every episode of the podcast The Adventurous Reinvention
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ep 002. Reinvention Story Part 1 - From Texas City Girl to Becoming Adventurous & Outdoorsy | 23 Oct 2024 | 00:36:51 | |
In this episode, Allison will be telling you part one of her personal adventurous reinvention story and how she went from being a city girl from Texas to becoming outdoorsy and adventurous through backpacking. Key Points Discussed:
Where to learn more about Allison: 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity. | |||
| Ep 001. Welcome to the Adventurous Reinvention Podcast! | 16 Oct 2024 | 00:11:55 | |
In this kick-off episode of The Adventurous Reinvention Podcast, host Allison Boyle, also known as She Dreams of Alpine, introduces herself and shares the vision behind her new podcast. Dedicated to all those who seek transformation through the outdoors, Allison welcomes listeners from all backgrounds, ages, and levels of outdoor experience. She shares her background as a former blogger, now a full-time outdoor educator and certified life coach, with a mission to empower women to feel confident and self-sufficient on the trails. Key Points Discussed:
Where to learn more about Allison: FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. | |||
| Ep 004. How You Can Work with Me to Hit Your Outdoor Adventure Goals | 30 Oct 2024 | 00:37:03 | |
In today's episode we're diving into how you can work with me (Allison) and my team at She Dreams of Alpine to make progress on your adventure goals. If you're ready to get serious about your outdoor dreams and personal growth, stick with me, and let's explore how we can make it happen together! Key Points Discussed:
Learn more and join our waitlists for these programs here:
Want to see some testimonials about the Backpacking Badass Program? Read our student stories here. Where to learn more about Allison: 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. | |||
| Ep 003. Reinvention Story Part 2 - From Engineer to Full-Time Outdoor Educator & Coach | 30 Oct 2024 | 00:44:54 | |
In this episode, join host Allison Boyle as she continues part 2 of her adventurous reinvention story of how she went from a conventional engineering career to a fulfilling life as an outdoor educator and life coach. Discover how embracing failure, adventure, and personal interests can lead to transformative life changes. Key Points Discussed:
Where to learn more about Allison: 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity. | |||
| Ep 006. How to Commit to Your Most Adventurous Year Yet BEFORE the New Year Rolls Around | 13 Nov 2024 | 00:21:05 | |
In this episode, Allison Boyle dives into the importance of committing to your adventurous goals BEFORE the new year starts. With 2025 around the corner, Allison shares insights on how to break free from the cycle of putting personal desires on the back burner and step into an adventurous lifestyle. 🎉 SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: On November 18th-21st we are opening up enrollment to my signature coaching program, The Backpacking Badass Program (our online course, community and coaching program where we teach you everything you need to know about backpacking and being safe and self-sufficient anytime you hit the trail). For many of our clients, this program was the difference between “maybe one day” and 👉 going on their first (of many) backpacking trips. Our Black Friday is a perfect time to join us in the program and go ALL-IN on your goals to start backpacking more confidently in 2025 and beyond. This is our FINAL enrollment of the year, and we are going BIG with our deals, bonuses, and giveaway prizes during that week. Early Birds get EARLY ACCESS to our deals (some are limited!). Plus, when you join our early bird list, we will also email you a Sneak Peek Guide of our bonuses and prizes for that enrollment. 👇 >> Join the Early Bird Waitlist here. Where to learn more about Allison: 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity. | |||
| Ep 005. Top 5 Lessons Learned From Life & The Mountains (Birthday Podcast, I’m Turning 35) | 06 Nov 2024 | 00:34:47 | |
I'm turning 35 tomorrow and wanted to do a special birthday podcast episode. Last year I created a list of 34 short-and-sweet lessons I’ve learned from life and the mountains during my 34 years around the sun so far and sent it as a newsletter to my email list. So this year I decided to revamp that list and add one new lesson. In today's episode, I'll be diving deep into 5 of my TOP lessons from that list. If you want to read the full list you can go to https://www.shedreamsofalpine.com/birthday to check it out. 🎉 SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT 🎉 On November 18th-21st we are opening up enrollment to my signature coaching program, The Backpacking Badass Program (our online course, community and coaching program where we teach you everything you need to know about backpacking and being safe and self-sufficient anytime you hit the trail). For many of our clients, this program was the difference between “maybe one day” and 👉 going on their first (of many) backpacking trips. Our Black Friday is a perfect time to join us in the program and go ALL-IN on your goals to start backpacking more confidently in 2025 and beyond. This is our FINAL enrollment of the year, and we are going BIG with our deals, bonuses, and giveaway prizes during that week. Early Birds get EARLY ACCESS to our deals (some are limited!). Plus, when you join our early bird list, we will also email you a Sneak Peek Guide of our bonuses and prizes for that enrollment. 👇 >> Join the Early Bird Waitlist here. Where to learn more about Allison: 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity. | |||
| Ep 008. My 2024 Rock Climbing Goal & Experiment with Fear (My Personal Debrief) | 04 Dec 2024 | 01:08:54 | |
Join me in a behind-the-scenes look at the big rock climbing goal I set for myself in 2024 and my experiment to have more fun with lead climbing and shift my relationship with my fear of falling in climbing. Key Points Discussed:
Even if you are NOT a rock climber, you will really benefit from listening to this episode and learning more about my approach to setting big goals. Where to learn more about Allison: 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity. | |||
| Ep 007. The PCT Thru-Hike & the Courage to Start New with Marie Pier Tremblay | 27 Nov 2024 | 01:08:47 | |
Join host Allison Boyle as she dives into an inspiring conversation with Marie Pier Tremblay about the transformative power of adventure and personal reinvention through the lens of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Key Points Discussed:
Tune in to hear how Marie’s adventurous leap of faith led to profound life changes and a newfound purpose in guiding others. Where to learn more about Marie: Where to learn more about Allison: 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity. | |||
| Ep 011. The Best AND Worst of My 2024 + The 50/50 Experience | 25 Dec 2024 | 00:35:00 | |
Life is full of peaks and valleys, and 2024 was no exception. In this episode, I’m continuing a personal tradition I started back in 2020: reflecting on the best and worst moments of the year. Join me as I share:
This episode isn’t just about my year—it’s an invitation for you to reflect on yours, too. Grab a notebook and write down your own best and worst moments of 2024 as we close out the year and prepare for 2025. What’s Coming in January 2025: ✨ Your Adventure Era Challenge—a free 5-day event to jumpstart your adventurous 2025. Registration will drop at the beginning of January! 🥾 Enrollment for the Backpacking Badass Program opens on January 20th. Learn more and join our waitlists for these programs here:
Want to see some testimonials about the Backpacking Badass Program? Read our student stories here. Where to learn more about Allison: 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. | |||
| Ep 010. Be AWARE of This: Resistance & Your Backpacking Goals | 18 Dec 2024 | 00:30:48 | |
Welcome back to The Adventurous Reinvention Podcast, where host Allison Boyle delves into the transformative power of adventure. In today's episode, we're tackling the mental hurdles that often accompany our most adventurous pursuits. If you've ever felt that wave of anxiety or resistance before a big trip, you're not alone. Allison shares personal experiences, like her journey on the John Muir Trail amidst wildfire threats, to illustrate how to differentiate between genuine safety concerns and the pre-trip mind drama. With practical insights and examples from her coaching clients, she highlights the importance of preparation, safety plans, and community support to navigate this mental barrier. Key Points Discussed:
Join us as we explore how overcoming pre-trip resistance can lead to immense personal growth and unforgettable adventures. Whether you're a seasoned backpacker or just starting, this episode is packed with valuable lessons to help you reach that trailhead with confidence and excitement. Where to learn more about Allison: 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity. | |||
| Ep 009. Hot topics in our Backpacking Badass Community: Adventure Planning, Training in the Offseason, & Rock Climbing | 11 Dec 2024 | 01:08:28 | |
In today's episode, I am joined by my employee Kellie, who helps me with so many things at She Dreams of Alpine, including being the Community Manager of our Backpacking Badass Program Community. In this episode, we talk about some "hot topics" within our Backpacking Badass Community to share a little behind-the-scenes of what our students are thinking about, and what we are coaching on a lot right now, and share some of that advice here on the podcast. Key Points Discussed:
Where to learn more about Allison: 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. ❄️ WINTER HIKING AND CAMPING WORKSHOP: Join me in this epic workshop training so you can adventure outdoors this winter feeling safe, prepared, WARM, and equipped with the proper gear you need for hiking and camping in the snow. 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity. | |||
| Ep 012. What's On My Adventure Radar for 2025 | 01 Jan 2025 | 00:26:54 | |
In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of how I’m planning my adventures in 2025. From big trips to mini getaways, client adventures, and everyday ways to keep the outdoors part of my life, this episode is all about setting the stage for a year filled with exploration. You’ll hear:
As we dive into these plans, I hope it inspires you to dream big and start crafting your own vision for 2025. 🎉 Register for our BRAND NEW FREE CHALLENGE - Your Adventure Era Challenge - January 13-17th, 2025 - If you want to go on MORE hiking and backpacking adventures in 2025, in this 5-day challenge, you'll make sure you finally check those trips off your bucket list! Learn more and join our waitlists for these programs here:
Want to see some testimonials about the Backpacking Badass Program? Read our student stories here. Where to learn more about Allison: | |||
| Ep 013. Planning Your Most Adventurous Year EVER with Donna Pezzullo | 08 Jan 2025 | 01:31:55 | |
In this episode, I’m so excited to introduce you to someone who has become such a special part of our Backpacking Badass community—Donna Pezzullo! Donna isn’t just a Backpacking Badass alumni; she’s also an ambassador in our community, which means she helps support and guide other women on their outdoor journeys in our Backpacking Badass Program. What’s so inspiring about Donna is that even though she’s been adventuring in the outdoors for over 25 years, she’s always looking for ways to grow, build her skills, and empower others. In this episode, we’ll dive into Donna’s journey—how she first fell in love with backpacking, what brought her into our world through the Backpacking Badass Program, and how she’s stepped into leadership both on and off the trail. We’ll also talk about how she uses tools like our “Your Adventure Era Challenge” event to make a focused plan for her adventurous years, and she’ll share a sneak peek at some of her 2025 goals. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been adventuring for years, Donna’s story is such a great reminder of how the outdoors is a lifelong journey of learning, growth, and connection. How to connect with Donna: 🎉 Register for our BRAND NEW FREE CHALLENGE - Your Adventure Era Challenge - January 13-17th, 2025 - If you want to go on MORE hiking and backpacking adventures in 2025, in this 5-day challenge, you'll make sure you finally check those trips off your bucket list! Where to learn more about Allison: 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity. | |||
| Ep 015. Your Ultimate Guide to Summit Mount Whitney This Year (Lessons from My Wins & Fails + Your Game Plan) | 05 Feb 2025 | 00:41:53 | |
Are you dreaming of summiting Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the lower 48 states? 🏔️ At 14,505 feet, it’s a challenging yet rewarding adventure that should be on every adventurer’s bucket list. In this episode, I’m giving you the ultimate guide to planning your Mount Whitney summit, based on my own experiences on the trail—both successful summits and those no-summit days that taught me invaluable lessons. Here’s what we cover in today’s episode:
Whether you’re just starting to plan or you’ve attempted Mount Whitney before, this episode is packed with insights to help you succeed. Resources and Links Mentioned in the Episode:
Where to learn more about Allison: 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity. | |||
| Ep 014. How to Make Adventure Friends as an Adult | 29 Jan 2025 | 00:41:14 | |
Many of my clients struggle with finding like-minded women to join them in their adventurous pursuits. Especially if they’re new to the outdoors (or hiking and backpacking) and their existing friend circle and family members just “don’t get it.” If that sounds like you ⬆️ then you’re definitely going to want to tune in to this episode. In this episode I'm going to share with you:
Where to learn more about Allison: 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity. | |||
| Ep 016. Surviving the Grand Canyon’s Royal Arch Loop: Lessons in Desert Backpacking with Meg Atteberry | 12 Feb 2025 | 01:15:50 | |
In this episode of The Adventurous Reinvention Podcast, I’m joined by my dear friend and desert adventure badass, Meg Atteberry. We dive into our epic Grand Canyon Royal Arch Loop backpacking trip—one of the hardest routes in the canyon. We’re sharing the behind-the-scenes of this challenging adventure, from route planning and navigating tough terrain to dealing with unexpected desert surprises (think cactus mishaps and… frogs?). Plus, Meg offers her expert advice on desert backpacking, including tips for water management, gear, and timing your desert hikes just right. If you’ve ever dreamed of a Grand Canyon adventure or want to level up your desert backpacking skills, this episode is packed with insights, lessons, and a whole lot of laughter from the trail. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Episode Highlights:
Resources & Links:
Where to learn more about Allison: 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity. | |||
| Ep 025. Marta’s Journey into Backpacking, Confidence & Following Her Curiosity (Inside the Adventurous Reinvention Experience) | 06 Apr 2025 | 01:07:27 | |
In this episode, my client, Marta, shares how saying yes to her very first backpacking trip — even with fears about altitude, injury, and self-doubt — opened the door to a completely new version of herself. We talk about the mindset shifts she experienced inside the Adventurous Reinvention Experience, how she worked through the “oh shit” moments before the trip, and why following her curiosity (instead of fear) led to confidence, community, and even the courage to plan her own retreat. What We Cover:
A huge thank-you to Marta for sharing her real, vulnerable, and inspiring story inside the Adventurous Reinvention Experience. 🎉 THE ADVENTUROUS REINVENTION EXPERIENCE IS NOW ENROLLING FOR 2025! 🎉 This is my high-touch group coaching program and in-person adventure retreat for women who want to challenge themselves, explore what’s next, and build real confidence in the outdoors and in life. It’s for the woman who’s craving more — more clarity, more confidence, more meaningful adventure — and is ready to take action, even if she’s not quite sure what that looks like yet. It’s equal parts personal transformation and unforgettable outdoor experience. Enrollment is NOW OPEN for existing She Dreams of Alpine clients (check your email for the invitation to join). The remaining spots will open to the waitlist on April 7th. ✨ Click here to learn more and join the waitlist to get first dibs on limited spots! Learn more about your host, Allison (aka She Dreams of Alpine): 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity. | |||
| Ep 024. Jen’s Journey to Backpacking Confidence & Reinvention After Retirement (Inside the Adventurous Reinvention Experience) | 02 Apr 2025 | 01:14:11 | |
In today’s episode, I’m joined by Jen — a client of mine who joined the Adventurous Reinvention Experience in 2024 to grow her backpacking skills and connect with a powerful community of women. We dive into what it was like for her to say yes to the program, how she stepped outside her comfort zone on the trail, and why reinvention doesn’t have to be a dramatic 180 — it can be slow, joyful, and deeply personal. Jen shares how this experience gave her more than just trail skills — it gave her clarity, confidence, and the courage to dream even bigger after retirement. What We Cover:
A big thank you to Jen for joining us today and sharing such a beautiful, behind-the-scenes look at the Adventurous Reinvention Experience. 🎉 THE ADVENTUROUS REINVENTION EXPERIENCE IS NOW ENROLLING FOR 2025! 🎉 This is my high-touch group coaching program and in-person adventure retreat for women who want to challenge themselves, explore what’s next, and build real confidence in the outdoors and in life. It’s for the woman who’s craving more — more clarity, more confidence, more meaningful adventure — and is ready to take action, even if she’s not quite sure what that looks like yet. It’s equal parts personal transformation and unforgettable outdoor experience. Enrollment is NOW OPEN for existing She Dreams of Alpine clients (check your email for the invitation to join). The remaining spots will open to the waitlist on April 7th. ✨ Click here to learn more and join the waitlist to get first dibs on limited spots! Learn more about your host, Allison (aka She Dreams of Alpine): 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity. | |||
| Ep 023. Why the Mountains Are the Best Self-Coaching Tool for Life’s Challenges | 26 Mar 2025 | 00:46:15 | |
Have you ever noticed how the mountains challenge you—not just physically, but mentally? How they push you to confront your fears, reframe your struggles, and prove to yourself that you’re capable of more than you thought? Before I ever became a coach, the mountains were already teaching me how to shift my mindset. In this episode, I break down:
And—BIG NEWS—enrollment for The Adventurous Reinvention Experience (ARE) is opening VERY soon! This is my signature coaching + adventure program, where we spend the summer mastering these mindset tools together—and then take them to the next level on an epic group backpacking adventure. 🎧 Tune in now, and if you want to be part of this experience, get on the waitlist now at shedreamsofalpine.com/are Learn more about your host, Allison (aka She Dreams of Alpine): Ready to challenge yourself this summer? To feel ALIVE and engaged with your life and your dreams again? 👇 The Adventurous Reinvention Experience (2025 SPOTS OPEN SOON!): This is a high-touch group coaching program and in-person adventure retreat. It is a transformative experience. It’s an adventure to reinvent yourself AND an in-person backpacking adventure with me and my team. If you want to join the waitlist for the 2025 experience, you can join the Adventurous Reinvention Experience waitlist here. Enrollment for this experience will open in April 2025. Coaching together begins in May 2025, and our in-person adventures typically take place in late July or early August. 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity. | |||
| Ep 022. Too Slow? Too Shy? Too Old? How to Stop Counting Yourself Out of Having Epic Adventures | 19 Mar 2025 | 00:41:26 | |
Have you ever hesitated to join a hiking group or sign up for an adventure because you were afraid you wouldn’t fit in? Maybe you’ve told yourself: 🚶♀️ “I’m too slow—I don’t want to hold everyone back.” 😬 “I’m too shy—what if I feel awkward?” 🎂 “I’m too old—will I be the only one?” If any of those thoughts have stopped you from putting yourself out there, this episode is for you. In today’s episode, we’re talking about how to stop counting yourself out of adventure before you even try. I’ll share real stories (including my own experiences with rejection), practical mindset shifts, and what it actually takes to find your people, build adventure friendships, and create the epic experiences you crave. You’ll learn:
If you’ve been waiting for permission to stop holding yourself back—this is it. Learn more about your host, Allison (aka She Dreams of Alpine): Ready to challenge yourself this summer? The Adventurous Reinvention Experience (2025 SPOTS OPEN SOON!): This is a high-touch group coaching program and in-person adventure retreat. It is a transformative experience. It’s an adventure to reinvent yourself AND an in-person backpacking adventure with me and my team. If you want to join the waitlist for the 2025 experience, you can join the Adventurous Reinvention Experience waitlist here. Enrollment for this experience will open in late March 2025. Coaching together begins in May 2025, and our in-person adventures typically take place in late July or early August. 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity. | |||
| Ep 021. What the Royal Arch Loop Revealed About Who I’ve Become (Trail Series Finale) | 05 Mar 2025 | 00:23:08 | |
The Royal Arch Loop Trail Series has been a brutal, beautiful, and transformative journey—and in this final episode, I’m reflecting on what this toughest backpacking trip yet revealed about who I’ve become as an adventurer. After four days of extreme heat, high-consequence terrain, and deep exhaustion, I realized something powerful: I’ve changed. In this episode, I’m sharing what this adventure taught me about growth, mindset, and resilience—and why learning to navigate challenges on the trail translates to every other part of life. What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
This isn’t just a reflection on a backpacking trip—it’s about how adventure transforms who you are. If you’ve ever struggled through a hard trail and wondered, Why did I sign up for this?!, this episode is for you. Learn more about your host, Allison (aka She Dreams of Alpine): Ready to challenge yourself this summer? The Adventurous Reinvention Experience (2025 SPOTS OPEN SOON!): This is a high-touch group coaching program and in-person adventure retreat. It is a transformative experience. It’s an adventure to reinvent yourself AND an in-person backpacking adventure with me and my team. If you want to join the waitlist for the 2025 experience, you can join the Adventurous Reinvention Experience waitlist here. Enrollment for this experience will open in late March 2025. Coaching together begins in May 2025, and our in-person adventures typically take place in late July or early August. 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity. | |||
| Ep 020. Royal Arch Loop Day 4 (Trail Series). Easy 4,000 Foot Uphill + Snowy Surprise + Full Circle Moment | 26 Feb 2025 | 00:27:22 | |
The final day of our Royal Arch Loop adventure is here! And guess what? It turned out to be one of the easiest days yet (despite the all-uphill terrain). After days of brutal heat, high exposure, and endless scrambling, we finally got a break—a cool, breezy morning as we tackled our last challenge: hiking 4,000 feet out of the Grand Canyon. In this episode, Meg and I reflect on what it took to complete one of the hardest backpacking routes in the canyon. We talk about the biggest wins, the most difficult moments, and what we’ll never forget about this adventure. What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
This is the perfect conclusion to an epic adventure. If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to take on a serious desert challenge—or if this route is for you—this episode gives you all the real, honest insights. Episode Resources & Links:
Learn more about your host, Allison (aka She Dreams of Alpine): 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity. | |||
| Ep 019. Royal Arch Loop Day 3 (Trail Series). 10L Water Haul + Troll Cave + Easy Breezy Tonto | 26 Feb 2025 | 00:20:20 | |
Welcome back to the Royal Arch Loop Trail Series! We are officially in the grind phase of the trip, and Day 3 was all about endurance, heat management, and pushing through mental and physical exhaustion. This episode captures our hardest mental battle yet—navigating out of Garnet Canyon (which we didn’t even realize was Garnet Canyon at first), carrying 10 liters of water each, and racing against the desert heat. Oh, and we also experienced something totally new on this trip: a forced five-hour mid-day siesta under a rock to avoid hiking in the brutal afternoon sun. (Spoiler: It was amazing). What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
This episode is raw, real, and the perfect glimpse into the highs and lows of a tough desert backpacking trip. You’ll hear our frustrations, our exhaustion, and the moments of pure backpacking bliss that made it all worth it. Episode Resources & Links:
Learn more about your host, Allison (aka She Dreams of Alpine): 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity. | |||
| Ep 018. Royal Arch Loop Day 2 (Trail Series). No Fall Zone + Rappel + Elves Chasm | 19 Feb 2025 | 00:19:24 | |
Welcome back to the Royal Arch Loop Trail Series! If you thought Day 1 was tough, well… Day 2 upped the stakes. 😅 Today’s episode is all about high-stakes exposure, a rappel, and the moment I seriously questioned my life choices. Meg and I recorded this episode straight from the trail at the end of a brutally hot day, and we’re taking you through every gritty detail—from waking up at 3 AM to navigate sketchy terrain to finally making it to a gorgeous beach campsite on the Grand Canyon’s riverbanks. Oh, and we also hiked to Elves Chasm (because apparently, we didn’t get enough of a workout). Spoiler: It was breathtaking, but the hike back? Absolutely miserable in the heat. What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
It’s another real, raw, and brutally honest trail recap. You’ll feel like you’re right there with us, sweating through the Grand Canyon and questioning why we signed up for this. Resources & Links:
Where to learn more about Allison: 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity. | |||
| Ep 017. Royal Arch Loop Day 1 (Trail Series). Not So Easy Downhill + Sleeping in Frog Canyon | 19 Feb 2025 | 00:12:28 | |
Welcome to the first episode of my Royal Arch Loop Trail Series! If you listened to last week’s episode, you got the full recap of our Grand Canyon adventure one year later. But now, it’s time to go back in time and experience it as it happened—raw, real, and straight from the trail. In this episode, Meg Atteberry and I are recording from Day 1 of our Royal Arch Loop adventure. And let me tell you, this day was no joke. We tackled endless boulder fields, climbed our way through tricky downclimbs, and were punished by the desert sun. Oh, and I sat on a cactus within the first mile. 🙃 We’re sharing it all—the highs, the lows, and the unexpected (including an aggressively loud frog orchestra at camp). What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
This is the real behind-the-scenes of an epic desert backpacking trip. You’re going to feel right there with us on the trail, sweaty, exhausted, and laughing at the chaos. Resources & Links:
Where to learn more about Allison: 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity. | |||
| Ep 026. This Summer Can Change Everything – Join Us Inside the Adventurous Reinvention Experience | 09 Apr 2025 | 00:21:08 | |
If you’ve been craving clarity, confidence, purpose—and more adventure in your life—this episode is for you. In today’s conversation, I’m walking you through exactly what the Adventurous Reinvention Experience (ARE) is, why it’s so needed right now, and most importantly… what you could create inside this coaching container this summer. ARE is a 4-month transformational journey that combines:
We’re NOW ENROLLING for Summer 2025—and this episode will help you know if it’s time to say YES to the version of you who’s ready to create something powerful this season. In this episode, I share:
✨ Learn more about the Adventurous Reinvention Experience now by going to: shedreamsofalpine.com/are | |||
| Ep 027. From Sea Level to 14K: Kahla’s Journey into Backpacking & Bravery (Inside the Adventurous Reinvention Experience) | 16 Apr 2025 | 00:51:12 | |
In this episode, I’m joined by my client Kahla, who went from Florida flatlands to summiting a 14er on her very first backpacking trip inside the Adventurous Reinvention Experience. We talk about what inspired her to join the program, how she worked through altitude fears and self-doubt, and what it was really like to take on a major challenge with a group of supportive women. Kahla’s story is real, emotional, and packed with the kind of quiet bravery that so many of us can relate to. What We Cover:
A huge thank-you to Kahla for sharing her journey so honestly. Her story is such a powerful example of saying yes to adventure before you're “ready.” 🎉 THE ADVENTUROUS REINVENTION EXPERIENCE IS NOW ENROLLING FOR 2025! 🎉 This is my high-touch group coaching program and in-person adventure retreat for women who want to challenge themselves, explore what’s next, and build real confidence in the outdoors and in life. It’s for the woman who’s craving more — more clarity, more confidence, more meaningful adventure — and is ready to take action, even if she’s not quite sure what that looks like yet. It’s equal parts personal transformation and unforgettable outdoor experience. Enrollment is NOW OPEN to the public✨ Click here to learn more and get first dibs on limited spots! Learn more about your host, Allison (aka She Dreams of Alpine): 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity. | |||
| Ep 029. Hot Topics in Our Backpacking Badass Community: Solo Confidence, Wilderness Safety & Building Your Adventure Circle | 07 May 2025 | 01:16:05 | |
We’re back with another Hot Topics episode—and this time, it’s all about solo adventure season. Allison is joined by Team Alpine’s Kellie Adkins (our social media and community manager) for a deep dive into what’s coming up most inside the Backpacking Badass Program right now: solo backpacking celebrations, pre-trip panic moments, wilderness medicine education, and the magic of building an adventure community from the inside out. In this episode, we discuss:
Whether you’re planning your first solo trip or looking to lead more confidently in the outdoors, this episode will give you honest reflections, client celebrations, and grounded inspiration to fuel your next adventure. Read on our Blog: 7 Reasons Why You Should Learn Wilderness First Aid 🗓️ PS—Don’t forget to save the date for our annual Solo Adventure Summit! It’s happening June 5–6, 2025. You’ll get practical tools, inspiration, and community support to help you take your solo adventure dreams to the next level. Details coming soon. Join our newsletter here to be FIRST to know when registration opens for the Solo Adventure Summit. Learn more about your host, Allison (aka She Dreams of Alpine): 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity. | |||
| Ep 028. Should You Visit Parks This Year? A Former Park Manager's Take | 23 Apr 2025 | 00:31:05 | |
In this episode, Team She Dreams of Alpine’s own Kellie Adkins—former park manager and field ecologist—dives into a hot topic that’s come up in our Backpacking Badass Program community: Should we still be visiting public lands right now? With recent funding cuts, staff shortages, and even the illegal firing of federal employees making headlines this year, many outdoor lovers are left wondering: Is it helpful or harmful to keep showing up? Kellie draws on her experience managing over 700 acres of parkland to give you the full scoop on what’s going on behind the scenes—and how you can continue to adventure responsibly, support public lands, and stay safe out there this season. In this episode, you’ll learn:
If you’re wondering how to be a more thoughtful and prepared outdoor adventurer in 2025, this episode is a must-listen. Get our link to call your reps: Comment "REP" on any of our She Dreams of Alpine social media posts on Instagram or Facebook Have questions for Kellie? Reach out at hello@shedreamsofalpine.com Learn more about your host, Allison (aka She Dreams of Alpine): 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity. | |||
| Ep 031. Self-Defense for Solo Adventurers with Nicole Snell from Girls Fight Back | 21 May 2025 | 01:21:59 | |
What if the thing holding you back from solo adventuring isn’t lack of skills—but the feeling of safety? In this powerful episode, Allison sits down with Nicole Snell—international speaker, TEDx presenter, and CEO of Girls Fight Back—to talk about self-defense, solo travel, and how we can stop letting fear define our choices. Nicole is a globally recognized self-defense educator and the founder of Outdoor Defense, a YouTube series dedicated to equipping solo hikers and travelers with tools and confidence to explore the outdoors boldly. She’s worked with military groups, universities, and outdoor communities around the world—and today, she’s bringing that wisdom to the show. Together, we dive into:
Whether you're prepping for your first solo hike or want to feel more empowered moving through the world, this episode will leave you feeling stronger, more prepared, and deeply inspired. If you're interested in getting some of the references and stats that Nicole Mentioned on today's episode, send us an email at support@shedreamsofalpine.com 🗓️ PS—Don’t forget to save the date for our annual Solo Adventure Summit! It’s happening June 5–6, 2025, and Nicole is one of our featured speakers. You’ll get practical tools, inspiration, and community support to help you take your solo adventure dreams to the next level. Details coming soon. Join our newsletter here to be FIRST to know when registration opens for the Solo Adventure Summit. 🔗 Connect with Nicole:
Learn more about your host, Allison (aka She Dreams of Alpine): 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity. | |||
| Ep 030. Adventures that Made Me: My First Solo Backpacking Trip (Mount Langley) | 14 May 2025 | 00:44:55 | |
In today’s episode, I’m taking you back to the solo backpacking trip that shaped me in all the best ways—my very first overnight alone on the trail. I share what inspired me to go solo in the first place, how I handled the fear, the unexpected snow that changed my plans, and the plot twist at the trailhead that almost stranded me. This trip wasn’t perfect, but it gave me huge confidence in myself, my decision-making, and my leadership skills. If you’ve been wondering whether you can really do this solo backpacking thing—this episode is for you. In this episode, you’ll hear about:
Read on our Blog: Trail Guide to Hiking Mount Langley 🗓️ PS—Don’t forget to save the date for our annual Solo Adventure Summit! It’s happening June 5–6, 2025. You’ll get practical tools, inspiration, and community support to help you take your solo adventure dreams to the next level. Details coming soon. Join our newsletter here to be FIRST to know when registration opens for the Solo Adventure Summit. Learn more about your host, Allison (aka She Dreams of Alpine): 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity. | |||
| Ep 032. 4 Outdoor Skills Every Woman Should Master Before a Solo Trip | 28 May 2025 | 00:20:55 | |
🎉 Registration is officially OPEN for the 2025 Solo Adventure Summit! Join us June 5th-6th for a free two-day virtual event all about building confidence, preparation, and skills for your solo outdoor adventures. 👉 Grab your free ticket now at shedreamsofalpine.com/summit 🎙️ Ep 032. 4 Outdoor Skills Every Woman Should Master Before a Solo Trip Are you dreaming of heading out on a solo adventure but unsure where to start? In this episode, I break down 4 core outdoor skills that every woman should learn before taking off on a solo hiking or backpacking trip. Whether you're brand new to the idea of "going solo" or looking to level up your confidence on trail, this episode gives you the foundation to get started—safely and intentionally. We’re also gearing up for the 2025 Solo Adventure Summit (happening June 5–6), and this episode is the perfect prep. These skills—route planning, safety prep, physical readiness, and wildlife awareness—are all topics we’ll be diving into at the summit, and that I cover extensively inside my Backpacking Badass Program. Ready to take the next step? Join us for the Solo Adventure Summit! 🎟️ Sign up now at shedreamsofalpine.com/summit It’s completely free and packed with expert-led sessions on everything from solo safety and mindset to road trip planning and bear encounters. And don’t forget—enrollment for the summer cohort of the Backpacking Badass Program opens June 9–13! If you want hands-on support in becoming a confident, self-sufficient backpacker, this is for you. 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity. Learn more about your host, Allison (aka She Dreams of Alpine): | |||
| Ep 033. Bear Safety Isn’t Optional—Kim Titchener’s Expert Advice for Solo Hikers | 01 Jun 2025 | 01:03:18 | |
🎉 Registration is officially OPEN for the 2025 Solo Adventure Summit! Join us June 5th-6th for a free two-day virtual event all about building confidence, preparation, and skills for your solo outdoor adventures. You'll learn from over 10+ amazing speakers—including today’s guest, Kim from Bear Safety and More! 👉 Grab your free ticket now at shedreamsofalpine.com/summit 🎙 Episode 33 – Bear Safety & Backcountry Confidence with Kim Titchener If you’ve ever worried about what to do if you run into a bear—or moose, or mountain lion—on the trail, this episode is for you. I’m joined by Kim Titchener, founder of Bear Safety and More, who has spent her entire career helping people safely coexist with wildlife. We talk about:
Kim has decades of experience working with wildlife in Banff National Park and now teaches safety courses across North America. She breaks down bear behavior in a way that’s empowering—not fear-based—and gives you the tools to explore with confidence. 🔗 Connect with Kim & Learn More:
Learn more about your host, Allison (aka She Dreams of Alpine): 🎟 Don’t forget to register for the Solo Adventure Summit where Kim will be speaking LIVE on June 5! 👉 shedreamsofalpine.com/summit | |||
| Ep 034. Is It SAFE to Go Solo? The Truth About Solo Hiking & Backpacking | 04 Jun 2025 | 00:21:06 | |
🎉 Registration is officially OPEN for the 2025 Solo Adventure Summit! Join us June 5th-6th for a free two-day virtual event all about building confidence, preparation, and skills for your solo outdoor adventures. 👉 Grab your free ticket now at shedreamsofalpine.com/summit 🎙️ Ep 034. Is It SAFE to Go Solo? The Truth About Solo Hiking & Backpacking In this powerful episode recorded straight from the backcountry, Allison dives into the heart of this question with personal stories, surprising stats, and wisdom from outdoor experts like Nicole Snell and Kim Titchener. Whether you’re solo-curious or already hitting the trail alone, this episode is a must-listen for anyone wanting to make empowered, educated decisions about adventuring solo. What You’ll Learn:
Links & Resources: Ready to take the next step? Join us for the Solo Adventure Summit! 🎟️ Sign up now at shedreamsofalpine.com/summit It’s completely free and packed with expert-led sessions on everything from solo safety and mindset to road trip planning and bear encounters. And don’t forget—enrollment for the summer cohort of the Backpacking Badass Program opens June 9–13! If you want hands-on support in becoming a confident, self-sufficient backpacker, this is for you. 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity. Learn more about your host, Allison (aka She Dreams of Alpine): | |||
| Ep 035. The Cheat Code to Backpacking: Tiffany’s Journey from Newbie to Solo Backpacker | 10 Jun 2025 | 01:18:24 | |
In this episode, I’m joined by one of my incredible Backpacking Badass clients—Tiffany—whose story is a perfect example of what’s possible when you combine a dream with the right support and structure. When Tiffany joined the Backpacking Badass Program in 2022, she had never been backpacking before. Fast forward to today—and she’s completed 33 backpacking trips, many of them solo, including a 6-day Grand Canyon adventure. We talk about:
This episode is packed with relatable insights, beginner wins, and empowering reminders that you don’t have to wait for someone else to join you—you can become a confident, self-sufficient backpacker who makes her own adventures happen. 🥾 Enrollment for the Backpacking Badass Program is OPEN through June 13! If Tiffany’s story lit a spark for you, go to shedreamsofalpine.com/enroll to learn more and join us. This is our big summer enrollment and includes some of our best bonuses of the year. How to Connect with Tiffany:
Learn more about your host, Allison (aka She Dreams of Alpine): 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. | |||
| Ep 038. John Muir Trail Day 2 (Trail Series). Baby Lamb Legs, Black Ant, and Camped Beneath Mount Whitney | 02 Jul 2025 | 00:27:36 | |
Welcome to the John Muir Trail Podcast Series - I'm taking a little summer break from the podcast while I head off on some new adventures (and guide some epic client trips too!). But I didn’t want to leave you hanging—so I’m sharing something special: a never-before-released Trail Series from our John Muir Trail thru-hike. We’re recording this episode quietly from Guitar Lake, just below Mount Whitney. It’s Day 2 on the John Muir Trail, and while the mileage was shorter, the climb and smoke made it feel long. We chat about trail name antics, losing (and recovering) gear, and what it was like camping at one of the busiest backcountry sites we’ve ever seen. In this episode:
JMT Resources on the Blog:
Where to learn more about Allison: 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity. | |||
| Ep 037. John Muir Trail Day 1 (Trail Series). A Long First Day, Sandy Trails, and Golden Trout | 02 Jul 2025 | 00:35:15 | |
Welcome to the John Muir Trail Podcast Series - I'm taking a little summer break from the podcast while I head off on some new adventures (and guide some epic client trips too!). But I didn’t want to leave you hanging—so I’m sharing something special: a never-before-released Trail Series from our John Muir Trail thru-hike. Day 1 is in the books! In today’s trail diary, we reflect from inside our tent after hiking 14+ miles from Cottonwood Pass to Rock Creek Ford. We share what it was like to finally start the JMT, deal with the reality of heavy packs and sandy trails, and find joy in our first camp (and Michael’s first trout catch!). In this episode:
JMT Resources on the Blog:
Where to learn more about Allison: 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity. | |||
| Ep 036. John Muir Trail Day 0 (Trail Series). Pre-Hike Jitters, Permit Scrambles, and Wildfire Worries | 02 Jul 2025 | 00:34:30 | |
Welcome to the John Muir Trail Podcast Series - I'm taking a little summer break from the podcast while I head off on some new adventures (and guide some epic client trips too!). But I didn’t want to leave you hanging—so I’m sharing something special: a never-before-released Trail Series from our John Muir Trail thru-hike. These short, behind-the-scenes episodes take you day by day through our journey on the JMT, including all the real, raw moments along the way. Enjoy! We’re kicking off the JMT Trail Series with Day 0—aka, all the chaos before we even hit the trail. In this episode, Michael and I talk through our final prep day before starting our 2020 John Muir Trail thru-hike, including our alternate route decision, permit challenges, and the emotional rollercoaster of dealing with massive California wildfires. If you’ve ever planned a big backpacking trip and felt overwhelmed by logistics, weather, or “what-ifs,” this one’s for you. In this episode:
JMT Resources on the Blog:
Where to learn more about Allison: 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity. | |||
| Ep 041. John Muir Trail Day 5 (Trail Series). Forester Pass, Dreamy Camp, and Our First Trout Dinner | 09 Jul 2025 | 00:32:00 | |
Welcome to the John Muir Trail Podcast Series - I'm taking a little summer break from the podcast while I head off on some new adventures (and guide some epic client trips too!). But I didn’t want to leave you hanging—so I’m sharing something special: a never-before-released Trail Series from our John Muir Trail thru-hike. Today was one of those wow trail days. We crossed the legendary Forester Pass—one of the tallest passes on the JMT—and it absolutely lived up to the hype. The approach was breathtaking, with massive granite walls and a surprisingly kind set of switchbacks. On the other side, we scored what might be our favorite camp yet: tucked beside a rushing creek and waterfall, totally secluded. Michael caught his first backcountry trout and we cooked it for dinner (with a little salt, pepper, and tru-lemon flavor—backpacking gourmet style). Plus, we reflect on trail routines. In this episode:
🎧 Come along for one of the most iconic days on the trail—you won’t want to miss this one. JMT Resources on the Blog:
Where to learn more about Allison: 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity. | |||
| Ep 040. John Muir Trail Day 4 (Trail Series). Steady Miles, Trail Characters, and Battery Life Talk | 09 Jul 2025 | 00:32:06 | |
Welcome to the John Muir Trail Podcast Series - I'm taking a little summer break from the podcast while I head off on some new adventures (and guide some epic client trips too!). But I didn’t want to leave you hanging—so I’m sharing something special: a never-before-released Trail Series from our John Muir Trail thru-hike. Today was all about putting in steady miles and soaking in the simplicity of trail life. We hiked from Guitar Lake down to the Shepherd Pass junction—nothing too intense, just a consistent grade with beautiful granite landscapes and blue skies overhead. We crossed paths with a few interesting hikers (including someone dealing with altitude sickness), had songs stuck in our heads, and reflected on the weird little routines that form when you’re five days deep into the backcountry. Plus: some honest updates on feet, battery life, and what it’s like to hike with a USB-powered life system. In this episode:
🎧 Hit play and enjoy a slower day on trail with us—it’s not always about the passes. JMT Resources on the Blog:
Where to learn more about Allison: 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity. | |||
| Ep 039. John Muir Trail Day 3 (Trail Series). Summiting Mount Whitney, Blister Battles, and a Cheesecake Fail | 09 Jul 2025 | 00:21:08 | |
Welcome to the John Muir Trail Podcast Series - I'm taking a little summer break from the podcast while I head off on some new adventures (and guide some epic client trips too!). But I didn’t want to leave you hanging—so I’m sharing something special: a never-before-released Trail Series from our John Muir Trail thru-hike. Today was a huge milestone on the trail—we summited Mount Whitney! It’s the official start point for northbound JMT hikers, and the 3,000 ft sunrise climb from Guitar Lake made for an epic morning. We soaked in summit views, shared a snack break with strangers (some naked, some not 😅), and reflected on how it felt to officially begin our long walk north. Back at camp, we dealt with emerging blister issues, talked about our feet (a lot), and closed the day with a wildly disappointing attempt at backcountry cheesecake. In this episode:
🎧 Tune in and walk with us—this trail is just getting started. JMT Resources on the Blog:
Where to learn more about Allison: 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity. | |||
| Ep 053. John Muir Trail Day 18 (Trail Series). Silver Pass, Trail Friends, and Purple Lake | 06 Aug 2025 | 00:16:54 | |
Welcome to the John Muir Trail Podcast Series - I'm taking a little summer break from the podcast while I head off on some new adventures (and guide some epic client trips too!). But I didn’t want to leave you hanging—so I’m sharing something special: a never-before-released Trail Series from our John Muir Trail thru-hike. Today we climbed Silver Pass, tackled nearly 13 miles of rolling terrain, and finally arrived at camp with time to spare—our reward after days of pushing hard. We soaked our feet in one of the coldest creeks yet, hiked through fish-filled rivers and steep switchbacks, and ended the day at the scenic (but misleadingly named) Purple Lake. The heat still showed up for parts of the day, but Allison's heat rash had miraculously vanished, and our trail crew grew by one as we hiked all day with our new friend. Michael even tried his luck at fishing with his half-rod again (with one clever trout evading him at the last second). We’re dirty, tired, and dreaming of Red’s Meadow tomorrow—burgers, laundry, showers, and maybe a little reset before our final JMT push. In this episode:
🎧 Come along as we hike, fish, and daydream our way toward civilization—with trout rumors, icy creek dips, and some hard-earned trail joy. JMT Resources on the Blog:
Where to learn more about Allison: 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity. | |||
| Ep 052. John Muir Trail Day 17 (Trail Series). Switchbacks from Hell, Diaper Smells, and the Cold Creek Cure | 06 Aug 2025 | 00:26:47 | |
Welcome to the John Muir Trail Podcast Series - I'm taking a little summer break from the podcast while I head off on some new adventures (and guide some epic client trips too!). But I didn’t want to leave you hanging—so I’m sharing something special: a never-before-released Trail Series from our John Muir Trail thru-hike. Today may have been one of our shortest mileage days, but it didn’t feel that way. The combo of relentless heat, sneaky elevation gain, and one of the longest stretches without water yet brought out all the grit—and some heat rash-induced tears. A highlight? Discovering a pristine creek (Mono Creek!) with crystal-clear pools that felt like trail magic for our overheated, under-showered selves. We soaked, snacked, and recovered enough to take on one final uphill slog before landing at a not-so-great campsite... but hey, at least we got there early for once. Also: the smells in the tent are officially getting out of hand. In this episode:
🎧 Join us for a sweaty, stinky, and very honest day on trail as we keep putting one foot in front of the other—rash and all. JMT Resources on the Blog:
Where to learn more about Allison: 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity. | |||
| Ep 043. John Muir Trail Day 8 & 9 (Trail Series). Glen & Pinchot Pass, Food Fantasies, and Rainbow Trout Rewards | 16 Jul 2025 | 00:28:57 | |
Welcome to the John Muir Trail Podcast Series - I'm taking a little summer break from the podcast while I head off on some new adventures (and guide some epic client trips too!). But I didn’t want to leave you hanging—so I’m sharing something special: a never-before-released Trail Series from our John Muir Trail thru-hike. These next two days were all about big climbs, blazing sun, and a whole lot of food talk. We tackled both Glen and Pinchot Pass, crossed over some stunning terrain, and found ourselves daydreaming constantly about fresh fruit, real meals, and a post-trail feast. The heat rash continued to be very real, and Michael caught a new fish: The Rainbow Trout. Trail life was starting to settle into a rhythm—sore feet, daily routines, and conversations about everything and nothing. A classic stretch of the JMT, complete with long views, sweaty backs, and just enough magic to keep moving forward. In this episode:
🎧 Come walk with us across some of the most scenic (and sweaty) miles of the trail. JMT Resources on the Blog:
Where to learn more about Allison: 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity. | |||
| Ep 042. John Muir Trail Day 6 & 7 (Trail Series). Resupply Bliss, Kearsarge Climb, and Trail Friend Encounters | 16 Jul 2025 | 00:29:43 | |
Welcome to the John Muir Trail Podcast Series - I'm taking a little summer break from the podcast while I head off on some new adventures (and guide some epic client trips too!). But I didn’t want to leave you hanging—so I’m sharing something special: a never-before-released Trail Series from our John Muir Trail thru-hike. Days 6 and 7 were a mix of rest, reward, and reunion. We took a much-needed resupply day in Independence, resupplied at the cozy Mount Williamson Hotel, and soaked in the luxuries of clean laundry, fresh food, and indoor sleep. Then it was back over Kearsarge Pass—packs heavier, bodies recharged, and hearts a little fuller after connecting with fellow hikers and trail friends. These two days gave us contrast and perspective, and reminded us how sweet it is to return to trail life after stepping away for just a moment. In this episode:
🎧 Press play to join us for a mix of town feels, mountain climbs, and the joy of being back on trail. JMT Resources on the Blog:
Where to learn more about Allison: 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity. | |||
| Ep 051. John Muir Trail Day 16 (Trail Series). Selden Pass, Blister Battles, and a Broken Fishing Pole | 06 Aug 2025 | 00:30:01 | |
Welcome to the John Muir Trail Podcast Series - I'm taking a little summer break from the podcast while I head off on some new adventures (and guide some epic client trips too!). But I didn’t want to leave you hanging—so I’m sharing something special: a never-before-released Trail Series from our John Muir Trail thru-hike. Today we tackled Selden Pass, hiked over 12 rugged miles with 3,200 feet of gain, and somehow ended the day feeling more human than we have in a while. Maybe it was the early arrival to camp. Maybe it was the peaceful solitude. Or maybe it was just finally getting into the groove of trail life. Still, the day didn’t come without its chaos. Michael realized mid-hike that he left part of his fishing pole behind, making for some MacGyver-style angling at our evening camp. We battled heat, blisters, and sand-filled shoes—but also got to rinse clothes, meet a few solo northbounders, and savor a quiet creekside evening. We’re learning (yet again) how much smoother trail life feels when you have time to breathe, soak your feet, and eat Oreos in peace. In this episode:
🎧 Join us as we hike, fish (sort of), snack (sparingly), and settle into our JMT stride. JMT Resources on the Blog:
Where to learn more about Allison: 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity. | |||
| Ep 050. John Muir Trail Day 15 (Trail Series). Canyon Cascades, Blister Battles, and Trail Miles That Never End | 30 Jul 2025 | 00:23:26 | |
Welcome to the John Muir Trail Podcast Series - I'm taking a little summer break from the podcast while I head off on some new adventures (and guide some epic client trips too!). But I didn’t want to leave you hanging—so I’m sharing something special: a never-before-released Trail Series from our John Muir Trail thru-hike. Today was both beautiful and brutal. We hiked our longest mileage day yet—16 hot, rocky, and mostly downhill miles—and our feet definitely felt it. Blisters flared up, patience wore thin, and we found ourselves dreaming of our more relaxed pace from last year’s hike. But the day wasn’t without its magic. We wandered alongside some of the Sierra’s most enchanting streams and waterfalls, dipped our aching feet in cool pools, and finally got in some backcountry fishing. As we rolled into camp (exhausted but proud), we reflected on how fast-paced miles come at a cost—and how we want to rework the rest of our itinerary to slow down and savor more. In this episode:
🎧 Come walk with us through the highs, lows, and blisters of a long day on trail. JMT Resources on the Blog:
Where to learn more about Allison: 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity. | |||
| Ep 049. John Muir Trail Day 14 (Trail Series). Muir Pass, Cowboy Coffee Cake, and Evolution Lake Magic | 30 Jul 2025 | 00:19:49 | |
Welcome to the John Muir Trail Podcast Series - I'm taking a little summer break from the podcast while I head off on some new adventures (and guide some epic client trips too!). But I didn’t want to leave you hanging—so I’m sharing something special: a never-before-released Trail Series from our John Muir Trail thru-hike. Today was one of the most physically and emotionally challenging days on trail—but also one of the most beautiful. After waking up at camp (surrounded by cowboys, coffee cake, and loose pack animals), we took on the long, steady climb up and over Muir Pass. The ascent was a grind, but the reward was worth it: sweeping alpine views, the iconic Muir shelter, and a sunset descent through Evolution Basin that took our breath away. From sore shoulders to surprise trail reunions and awkward gear questions from strangers, this episode is full of real trail life moments—both magical and messy. In this episode:
🎧 Come walk with us through the highs, the lows, and the golden hour glow on Day 14 of our JMT journey. JMT Resources on the Blog:
Where to learn more about Allison: 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity. | |||
| Ep 048. John Muir Trail Day 13 (Trail Series). Return to the JMT, Bishop Pass, and a Rogue Horse Encounter | 30 Jul 2025 | 00:13:58 | |
Welcome to the John Muir Trail Podcast Series - I'm taking a little summer break from the podcast while I head off on some new adventures (and guide some epic client trips too!). But I didn’t want to leave you hanging—so I’m sharing something special: a never-before-released Trail Series from our John Muir Trail thru-hike. Today we’re back on trail! After taking a year off because of last seasons wildfires, we rejoined the JMT by climbing over Bishop Pass with fresh legs and cautious optimism. The trail welcomed us with sweeping views, swirling dust, and one chaotic rogue horse incident. We ended the day camping alongside some pack animals and reflected on what it’s like to come back to something you didn’t finish the first time. In this episode:
🎧 Come hike along as we step back into the JMT—dust, pack animals, and all. JMT Resources on the Blog:
Where to learn more about Allison: 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity. | |||
| Ep 047. John Muir Trail (Trail Series). One Year Later, Picking Up Where We Left Off Pre-Hike Thoughts | 23 Jul 2025 | 00:27:15 | |
Welcome to the John Muir Trail Podcast Series - I'm taking a little summer break from the podcast while I head off on some new adventures (and guide some epic client trips too!). But I didn’t want to leave you hanging—so I’m sharing something special: a never-before-released Trail Series from our John Muir Trail thru-hike. After a year away, we’re back. In 2020, wildfires forced us off the JMT—but in 2021, we returned to finish what we started. This episode was recorded from our hotel the night before we hit the trail again, as we reflected on our return, what’s changed, and what it means to pick up a dream that got put on pause. Plus: a sweet moment of trail magic before the trail even begins, involving a bowl of peaches, almond milk, and an unexpected new friend. In this episode:
🎧 Hit play to hear how we’re stepping back onto the trail—new year, same dream. JMT Resources on the Blog:
Where to learn more about Allison: 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity. | |||