Explore every episode of the podcast The Trail Dames Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode #335 - Women Who Wander and Write | 18 Nov 2025 | 00:22:14 | |
Today's episode celebrates the women who write the wild. If you love the outdoors and good writing, this is your new favorite listen. Links- Mary Oliver - Mary Oliver Nan Shepherd - [Nan Shepherd(11,Robert%20Macfarlane%20and%20Richard%20Mabey] Linda Hogan - Linda Hogan (Author of Solar Storms) Niki de Saint Phalle - Niki de Saint Phalle Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #334 - Sheroes of the Trail | 11 Nov 2025 | 00:16:30 | |
Celebrating the fearless women who changed the hiking world, from Everest and the Andes in today's episode of the Trail Dames Podcast. Links- Honouring High Places: The Mountain Life of Junko Tabei - Honouring High Places: The Mountain Life of Junko Tabei Up, Up, Ever Up!: Junko Tabei: A Life in the Mountains by Anita Yasuda (illustrated by Yūko Shimizu) - Up, Up, Ever Up! Junko Tabei: A Life in the Mountains Annie Smith Peck Information - Annie Smith Peck | Pioneering Mountaineer & Explorer | Britannica Book featuring Annie Smith Peck - Annie Smith Peck Biography - A Woman's Place Is at the Top: A Biography of Annie Smith Peck, Queen of the Climbers Women of Discovery: A Celebration of Intrepid Women Who Explored the World by Milbry Polk and Mary Tiegreen Women of Discovery: A Celebration of Intrepid Women Who Explored the World Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #325 - Friendship on the Camino (Part 2) | 09 Sep 2025 | 00:22:10 | |
Bio- A random meeting on a beach leads to a calling that cannot be ignored. My awesome sister-in-law sits down to talk about her recent journey on the Camino. Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #235 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT May 17-18 | 28 Nov 2023 | 00:20:13 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Lite Shoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers. Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #234 Lagniappe - The "P" word, the "A" word, and Making a Difference | 21 Nov 2023 | 00:21:30 | |
Anna, aka Mud Butt, is the host of the Trail Dames podcast, the founder of Trail Dames, Inc, and the owner of Huthmaker Fine Violins in Atlanta, GA. And she has been bitten by the advocacy bug!! Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #233 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT May 15-16 | 14 Nov 2023 | 00:20:29 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers. Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #232 - Suzanne Roberts | 07 Nov 2023 | 00:52:21 | |
Bio- Suzanne Roberts is the author of the lyrical essay collection Animal Bodies: On Death, Desire, and Other Difficulties (Longlisted for the 2023 PEN/Diamonstein-Spielvogel Award for the Art of the Essay), the award-winning travel memoir in essays Bad Tourist: Misadventures in Love and Travel (2020), and the memoir Almost Somewhere: Twenty-Eight Days on the John Muir Trail (Winner of the 2012 National Outdoor Book Award), as well as four collections of poems. Named "The Next Great Travel Writer" by National Geographic's Traveler, Suzanne's work has been listed as notable in Best American Essays and included in The Best Women's Travel Writing. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, CNN, Creative Nonfiction, Brevity, The Rumpus, Hippocampus, The Normal School, River Teeth, and elsewhere. She holds a doctorate in literature and the environment from the University of Nevada-Reno, teaches in the low residency MFA program in creative writing at UNR-Lake Tahoe, and lives in South Lake Tahoe. Guest Links- -Coupon Code for ordering Almost Somewhere - 6AF23 Suzanne on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/suzanneroberts28/ Suzanne on Facebook - Suzanne Roberts Suzanne on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-roberts-083ab962/ Purchase books - Order Signed Copies Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Instagram: Instagram (@traildames) Facebook: Trail Dames | Facebook Hiking Radio Network: Hiking Radio Network Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: Instagram (@hikingradionetwork) Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #231 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT (May 13-14) | 31 Oct 2023 | 00:14:01 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers. Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #230 - Melissa Goodwin aka Click | 24 Oct 2023 | 00:46:06 | |
Bio- Melissa "Click!" Goodwin, a licensed outdoor guide and photographer. She is the founder of Girl Gotta Hike, which connects women with nature, confidence, and camaraderie, both online and on-trail through blog posts, podcast interviews, and guided hiking and backpacking trips in and around New York City. She and her dad, Michael "LongTime" Goodwin, thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail together in 2011. Guest Links- @girlgottahike on Instagram - Instagram (@girlgottahike) @girlgottahike on Facebook - Girl Gotta Hike @girlgottahike on Twitter - girlgottahike Melissa Goodwin Photography - http://melissagoodwinphotography.com Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com The Summit: The Summit 2022 - Presented by the Trail Dames The Trail Dames Foundation: Trail Dames Charitable Foundation | Home Instagram: Instagram (@traildames) Facebook: Trail Dames | Facebook Hiking Radio Network: Hiking Radio Network Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: Instagram (@hikingradionetwork) Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters
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| Episode #229 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT (May 11-12) | 17 Oct 2023 | 00:16:48 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers. Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters
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| Episode #228 Lagniappe - Christy Espy and the GEHC | 10 Oct 2023 | 00:32:07 | |
Bio- My name is Christy Espy, my background ranges from being a coastal biologist in Miami to a stay at home mom to my current gig as the science program supervisor at the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center in Buford Georgia. I love to hike and find my peace in the outdoors and help children of all ages find their peace there as well. Guest Links- GEHC on Facebook - Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center Foundation Christy Espy on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/christywaite Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #227 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT (May 9-10) | 03 Oct 2023 | 00:20:53 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers. Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #226 - Mingrey Wong | 26 Sep 2023 | 00:41:50 | |
Bio- My name is Mingrey, I was born with the last name Lim but adopted by the Wong family since day one. I grew up in Malaysia, at age 11, my family migrated to United States. I served 4 years in the Navy upon graduation of High School and married at 21. After 3 daughters and 12 years of marriage, not by my choice I was divorced. I worked for an import company that made guitar cases for Taylor Guitars and music stand for Atlas Music Stands. Being both mom and the provider, made it tough for me to have any extra money for myself. I was introduced to hiking, by some friends from church. It didn't cost a whole lot and getting outdoors quickly became my respite. I'm very thankful that God gifted me with this tangible enjoyment. I basically dived right into the activities involving the outdoors. 15 years ago, I got married to my husband Eric, together we have 6 kids and 13 grandchildren. Now at age 55, my life pretty much involves being nana, teaching Sunday School, going on missions trips and enjoying the outdoors activities (hiking, backpacking, snow shoeing, occasional climbs). Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: Our website: Trail Dames The Summit: The Summit 2022 - Presented by the Trail Dames The Trail Dames Foundation: Trail Dames Charitable Foundation | Home Instagram: Instagram (@traildames) Facebook: Trail Dames | Facebook Hiking Radio Network: Hiking Radio Network Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: Instagram (@hikingradionetwork) Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters
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| Episode #324 - Friendship on the Camino (Part 1) | 02 Sep 2025 | 00:18:00 | |
Bios- Nicole - Nicole van Marle is a social worker from the Netherlands. With a background in supporting people through social and personal challenges, she has dedicated her career to helping others improve their well-being. Currently, she is taking a one-year sabbatical to focus on personal growth and her journey as a pilgrim. Rebecca - Fabrizio - Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters
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| Episode #225 - Lite Shoe (Tales of the AT May 7-8) | 19 Sep 2023 | 00:19:51 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers. Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #224 Lagniappe - Aleah Haugen | 12 Sep 2023 | 00:49:34 | |
Bio- I have grown up in Washington State my whole life near Mount Rainier and was introduced to exploring the outdoors by my Grandma when I was 5. I've grown up hiking, backpacking, and spending time outside throughout my life and have recently jumped into the world of mountaineering. My ultimate desire is to be a wife and mom, and to be an independent homeschool teacher/homesteader. I'm currently engaged and will, Lord willing, be getting married this upcoming October 12th. Exploring God's creation, spending time with family and friends, and learning new things are what I enjoy most and I'm greatly looking forward to whatever adventures lie ahead! Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com The Summit: https://www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: https://www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: Instagram (@traildames) Facebook: Trail Dames | Facebook Hiking Radio Network: Hiking Radio Network Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: Instagram (@hikingradionetwork) Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #223 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT (May 5-6) | 05 Sep 2023 | 00:15:27 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers. Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #222 - Fifth Tuesday - Kelly Howard (Fit is Freedom) | 29 Aug 2023 | 00:59:59 | |
Kelly Howard is the Fitness Consistency Expert with a touch of Adventure and the author of FIT: Active & Ageless for Life! For over 25 years she has helped busy women prioritize their fitness so they can feel great and have more fun and energy for the things they love in this second half of life. She believes you can do anything when you feel strong, confident, and empowered. Kelly loves adding fun and adventure to life with outdoor activities like hiking, biking, backpacking, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. She empowers individuals to adventure out of their comfort zones by trying outdoor experiences they have only dreamt of or possibly haven't experienced in a very long time. Her Fit is Freedom podcast, coaching, online courses, and events have changed the lives of thousands of women. As a frequent guest on podcasts and television, she also created the FOX TV Outdoor Houston Adventure series. She currently calls Houston, Texas, home but can often be found kayaking rivers and traveling trails worldwide. Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #221 - Rose Vanderhoof | 22 Aug 2023 | 00:49:54 | |
Bio- I was born in San Diego, California, the 6th of 7 children. Five brothers and a sister. Attended elementary, Junior High, High School and Community College in San Diego. Married at 21 and we moved to Washington. We had two sons. I was a stay-at-home mom. I took up jogging and would jog about 5 miles several times a week. A friend of mine took me on a hike to Emerald Ridge in Mt. Rainier National Park, and I fell in love with the mountains and hiking. After my divorce from my first husband, I joined the Tacoma Mountaineers and took the Basic Climbing class. Also got involved with a group of Mountaineers who liked to hike and backpack. After two years in the Mountaineers, I met my present husband, Ted, who was very much into climbing. Our family grew to 5, as he had 3 children of his own. Thirteen years ago, as my husband and I were walking our dog early in the morning, we were crossing the street at an intersection. A car drove through the red light, and slammed into my husband and dog. My husband was airlifted to HarborView Hospital in Seattle, and our little dog died. This pretty much ended much of my husband's climbing with me. We had also been training to summit Mt. Rainier and to go on a mission trip to Uganda with Children of the Nations. He still suffers from the traumatic brain injury he incurred. About 13 years ago, we built a home on property we had purchased over 25 years ago near the entrance of Mt. Rainier. We love it here very much. Currently, I hike with a group of ladies almost every week. We go to different places to hike or snowshoe to in the winter season. I also manage a Yurt for Mt. Tahoma Trails Association in Ashford. The huts and yurt are open to the public and run by us volunteers. Also, after 33 years of marriage, we have 16 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. I am happy that some of my grandchildren enjoy the outdoors also. I have met friends who climb mountains, so I started climbing with them. I summitted Mt. Rainier 6 years ago with friends at the age of 72. This year was my 9th summit of Mt. Rainier. I also hiked the 500 mile El Camino de Santiago, starting in France, 6 years ago, and backpacked the 93 mile Wonderland Trail of Mt. Rainier last year in 14 days and 12 nights. I am always excited for every day that I am given. I feel every day is a gift from God and He always has some kind of great adventure for me. AWJ (Adventures With Jesus) That is our motto. Life Truly is Good! Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #220 - LiteShoe's Tales of the AT (May 2-4) | 15 Aug 2023 | 00:18:42 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers.
Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #219 - Teresa French (Wench - Class of 2003) | 08 Aug 2023 | 00:42:15 | |
Teresa's Bio: I grew up in Florida, the youngest of four children from loving, caring and supportive parents. We were an active family, involved in sports and often taking family camping trips. I graduated from University of Florida with a Bachelors Degree in Zoology, but have never worked in the field. Once I learned of the Appalachian Trail, the thought of hiking the whole thing would not go away. Despite having only two failed backpacking trips for experience, I put my backpack on and stepped onto the Approach Trail. For the next 6+ months, life was simple: Walk, eat, sleep, repeat. I returned to Florida, and became a "responsible" person again by getting a job. I found myself in the business side of healthcare and still work in the field as a Patient Account Manager for a large hospital system. Four years ago, I moved to Western North Carolina with my 2 cats, Wayne and Garth. This is where I truly belong. These are my people. I spend a lot of my non-working time hiking the trails in these Blue Ridge Mountains, including the Appalachian Trail. My soul is happy. Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #218 - Lite Shoe (Tales of the AT April 30-May 1) | 01 Aug 2023 | 00:18:18 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers. Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #217 - Bri Martinez (Wild Moon) | 25 Jul 2023 | 00:44:15 | |
Bri Martinez is the CEO and founder of Wild Moon LLC. She has spent the last decade as an educator and outdoor guide, leading backpacking, rock climbing, and kayaking adventures. Through integrating what she has learned about women's moon cycles, intuition, and the natural world, Bri creates dynamic and heart-centered learning experiences where women can explore and expand the edges of their own abilities and potential. Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #216 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT April 28-29 | 18 Jul 2023 | 00:16:47 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers. Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #323 - Lite Shoes Tales of the AT (September 11-12) | 26 Aug 2025 | 00:21:56 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Lite Shoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers. Guest Links- Weather Cam on Mount Washington - http://www.mountwashington.org/cam/deck/index.php http://www.outdoors.org/lodging/huts/huts-madison.shtml First Health Hospice https://www.firsthealth.org/medical-care/hospice-care/ Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #215 Lagniappe - Marianne Bohr and The GR20 | 11 Jul 2023 | 00:37:19 | |
Marianne C. Bohr, published author and award-winning essayist, married her high school sweetheart and travel partner. She follows her own advice and hits the road at every opportunity. She wrote her first book Gap Year Girl: A Baby Boomer Adventure Across 21 Countries, over the course of the yearlong sabbatical she and her husband took to explore Europe. The Twenty: One Woman's Trek Across Corsica on the GR20 Trail, is her second book. Marianne lives in Park City, UT, where, after decades in publishing, and then many years teaching middle school French, she now skis, hikes, and writes. Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #214 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT April 26-27 | 04 Jul 2023 | 00:20:13 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers. Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #213 - Lisa Work (Final Camino) | 27 Jun 2023 | 00:49:25 | |
Lisa has been in education for over 30 years serving in private schools and public schools in the roles of teacher, administrator, and consultant. In October 2020, she was named a Postulant for Holy Orders to the Priesthood in the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania and she is now a Candidate for Holy Orders as a priest. Lisa has always loved doing things in nature. Growing up her family spent vacations car camping. That tradition continued as her daughters were born and grew up and as a single mom, she continued vacations car-camping and day hiking local trails. Lisa will be celebrating her 20th year as a breast cancer survivor this year. She became more serious about backpacking when she decided to participate in "Seek-the-Peak" in the White Mountains as a way to celebrate being a cancer survivor in 2012. Lisa and her husband Mark, and their dog Emmie live in York, PA. They have 4 adult children who live relatively nearby and this year, they became grandparents. Lisa has just finished her second year in Seminary. Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #212 - Liteshoe's Tales of the AT (April 25) | 20 Jun 2023 | 00:15:27 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers. Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #211 - Lisa Work (Camino Days 1-2) | 13 Jun 2023 | 00:38:48 | |
Lisa has been in education for over 30 years serving in private schools and public schools in the roles of teacher, administrator, and consultant. In October 2020, she was named a Postulant for Holy Orders to the Priesthood in the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania. Lisa has always loved doing things in nature. Growing up her family spent vacations car camping. That tradition continued as her daughters were born and grew up and as a single mom, she continued vacations car-camping and day hiking local trails. Lisa and her husband Mark, and their dog Emmie live in York, PA. They have 4 adult children who live relatively nearby and this year, they became grandparents. Lisa has just finished her second year in Seminary and is three weeks away from accomplishing her dream of hiking the Camino De Santigo (Primitivo Route). Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #210 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT (April 24) | 06 Jun 2023 | 00:13:14 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers. Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #209 - 5th Tuesday - Lisa Work (Camino Preparation) | 30 May 2023 | 00:49:37 | |
Lisa has been in education for over 30 years, serving in private schools and public schools in the roles of teacher, administrator, and consultant. In October 2020, she was named a Postulant for Holy Orders to the Priesthood in the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania. Lisa has always loved doing things in nature. Growing up, her family spent vacations car camping. That tradition continued as her daughters were born and grew up and as a single mom, she continued vacations car-camping and day hiking local trails. Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #208 - Debbie Mercer (ZipHers) | 23 May 2023 | 00:42:11 | |
In 2005 Debbie founded a non-profit, Beyond the Finish Line, in 2006 (dissolved in 2011) which purpose was to help disadvantaged women gain self-esteem and self-confidence through fitness and nutrition. In 2007, she joined the national marathon training organization, USA FIT, as its president and in 2020 had the opportunity of becoming the owner. In addition to marathon and half marathon racing, she became an avid hiker. Her most memorable hikes were the Grand Canyon, Machu Picchu, Bryce Canyon, Juno Alaska, Olympic National Park, Big Bend and Moab. It is through her experiences of running marathons and adventure hiking that she became aware of the disadvantage that women had when having to pee outdoors in privacy. She became inspired to design pants that unzip so a woman does not have to pull down her pants – like men's pants have always had. Zip Hers was founded in 2019 after two years of research and development and production. In addition to outdoor adventurers, Zip Hers has specially designed adaptive tights for women who are wheelchair-dependent so their medical and bathroom needs are handled in a more convenient and comfortable manner. Debbie has been on the Boards of Directors for many non-profits which missions were to encourage disadvantaged women and individuals with special needs to gain self-esteem, self-confidence and learn life skills through fitness and nutrition. Debbie's goal for Zip Hers is to expand the Zip Hers line to include other sports and outdoor activities and health care providers for wheelchair dependent women and the elderly. Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #207 - LiteShoe's Tales of the AT (April 22-23) | 16 May 2023 | 00:14:33 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers. Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #206 Lagniappe - Update from Em Janacek (In Tune) | 09 May 2023 | 00:30:33 | |
My name is Em, trail name, In Tune. I'm into a lot of outdoor adventure-type activities and also all things music. I'm 24 years old, from Canada, and hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2022! Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #322 - Silvia Resnik | 19 Aug 2025 | 00:38:01 | |
Silvia Resnik is a certified coach with a Master's degree in Business Economics. Her professional journey began as a kindergarten teacher, transitioned into HR Management, and eventually led her to entrepreneurship. On the surface, she had checked all the boxes: a fulfilling career, marriage, a beautiful home, and a well-structured life. Yet, despite these accomplishments, Silvia felt an inner void. Years of self-exploration led her to uncover that she is an alone-born twin—a revelation that provided some insight but didn't bring the peace she sought. The turning point came during her encounter with the Maasai people on a journey to Zanzibar. Their heart-centered way of living resonated deeply with her, igniting a profound shift in her life. Today, Silvia splits her life between Austria and Tanzania, blending coaching with Maasai-inspired wisdom to guide women who, despite outward success, yearn for inner alignment. Through her unique coaching style, she helps these women rediscover their inner voice and design lives filled with freedom and fulfillment. Committed to giving back, Silvia also supports Maasai women and children in forging paths toward independence through her charitable initiatives. Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #205 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT (April 20-21) | 02 May 2023 | 00:12:09 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers. Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #204 - Sage Gustafson (Set the Stage Dog Training) | 25 Apr 2023 | 00:53:47 | |
Sage Gustafson is a dog trainer and owns Set the Stage Dog Training. She's a lifelong hiker and knows just how valuable spending time in nature is for dogs and people. She specializes in teaching dogs to come when called, and teaching people the skills they need to trust their dog off-leash! Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #203 - LiteShoe's Tales of the AT April 18-19 | 18 Apr 2023 | 00:15:13 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers. Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #202 Lagniappe - Update from Collin Chambers (Wildwood Magic) | 11 Apr 2023 | 00:48:14 | |
Collin guides those seeking self-empowerment and personal transformation on enchanted journeys through a magical blend of Sacred Movement, Rituals & Ceremony, and Walking (Hiking~Backpacking~Trekking) as a Sacred Practice. Since beginning her career as a motivational speaker, walking guide, owner/operator of an outdoor gear shop, and master facilitator of creative events, she has helped endless clients discover their inner strength and self-confidence. Collin is widely recognized for her playful humor and the great delight she brings to all she offers. After losing over 100lbs by adding a daily walk to her life, she now inspires people to find health and happiness through the simple act of taking a walk in the magic of nature. Her own journey has taken her from hiking the 2,180 miles of the Appalachian Trail to mystical sojourns throughout Peru, Nepal, Thailand, Europe, and India. She is the author of the award-winning book WildWood Magic: Walking as a Sacred Path, an experienced yoga instructor, a NOLS-certified Wilderness First Responder, a Backcountry Survival Instructor, and a "Leave No Trace" Master Educator. Collin teaches these and other skills through experiential, custom-created programs, mystical retreats, and inspirational events all over the world. Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #201 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT April 16-17 | 04 Apr 2023 | 00:16:05 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers. Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #200 - Carla Robertson (Living Wild and Precious) | 28 Mar 2023 | 00:58:36 | |
Bio- I've been coaching for over a decade. Before I was a coach, I spent many years teaching science to middle schoolers, and it was there that I learned how to make the complex simple, how to connect honestly and authentically, and how important it is to pay attention to the whole of a person. Years ago, during a time when I was overwhelmed and overworked, I visited a meditation labyrinth not far from my home and discovered this quote at the base of a bench: "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" — Mary Oliver Everything shifted inside me as my eyes filled with tears and I recognized I'd lost my truest path. I made big changes in my life, including embarking on a six month solo hike of the Appalachian Trail. That journey completely changed my relationship with fear, when I learned how little I need to be deeply happy, and how strong I actually am. Later I read the full poem that houses this wild and precious quote, learning that it was a call to do less, not more, "to be idle and blessed." I've lived in New Orleans most of my adult life, with my dear husband of 26 years. This city has taught me to celebrate the everyday, to feast on all occasions, and to cherish neighbors and community. My marriage has taught me that nothing is more precious than having a fellow human to go through life with who loves you, knows you and makes you laugh every day. I start every morning in nature, sitting in the grass in my front yard with my cat, watching in wonder as the birds, squirrels, lizards and insects that share our little patch of land begin their day. I craft my days with room for relaxation and wandering. And when I'm working, I'm supporting people to discover their own wild and precious path. Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #199 - Lite Shoes Tales of the AT (April 15) | 21 Mar 2023 | 00:14:26 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers. Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #198 Lagniappe - Update on Ascend with Marina LeGree | 14 Mar 2023 | 00:47:01 | |
Marina and her Ascend board of directors were faced with insurmountable odds when Afghanistan's government fell to the Taliban. The young women of Ascend were forced to flee or go into hiding. Join us as Marina talks about evacuating and resettling 134 of the Ascend Family and how they are back to their mission of "empowering young women through mountaineering-based leadership training and community service!" Bio- Ascend was founded in 2014 by Marina LeGree who, while living and working in Afghanistan, saw a unique opportunity to unlock the leadership skills of young women using the mountains surrounding their homes as a classroom. The program launched in 2015 and trained twenty Afghan girls. The pilot was a success and things took off fast, with over 200 girls participating in the program from 2015-2020. Ascend participants became leaders in their communities, instructors to the next program participants and, in one case, set a world record as the first Afghan woman to summit Mt. Noshaq, Afghanistan's tallest mountain. In 2021, Ascend built the first Women's Sports Center in Kabul with the country's first rock-climbing wall. The new center accommodated triple the number of girls. Unfortunately, the Taliban took control of the country in August 2021 and forced an abrupt halt to the program. In August 2021, Ascend made the difficult but morally right decision to focus all efforts on helping Afghan staff members, key at-risk participants and, in some cases where possible, their families. The next 14 months was non-stop activity, from securing seats on flights out of Afghanistan to arranging visas and homes to live in to providing ongoing support, language courses, and skills development. Our team worked around the clock and we could not have accomplished what we did without the help of our staff, board members, and volunteers, as well as countless kind individuals who stepped up either to advocate for visas, donate and form support groups in the countries where the girls have ended up. It has truly been heartwarming to see people come together and help strangers in time of need. Ascends evacuation efforts resulted in the resettlement of 134 Afghans who are living in Chile, the U.S., Canada, Ireland, Denmark, Germany, Poland, and Kazakhstan(see map below). You can read the full story of the evacuation and resettlement efforts here. Today, Ascend is launching a new program in Pakistan, rebuilding in Afghanistan, and serving our Afghan Alumnae through the newly created Ascend Alumnae Association. Guest Links- https://www.ascendathletics.org/copy-of-what-we-do-1 Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #197 - Lite Shoes Tales of the AT (April 14) | 07 Mar 2023 | 00:11:28 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers. Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #196 - Jen Loofbourrow (Alpine Fit) | 28 Feb 2023 | 00:42:48 | |
In my early twenties, I fell in love with expeditions kayaking the outer islands of Alaska's southeast coastline. Inevitably, we experienced variable conditions, sun to rain, and everything from freezing water temps to natural hot springs. With no access to laundry for weeks at a time, and limited space, I could take only essential basics, and each piece of gear had to perform. I refined and honed my packing list and found substitute products for what I really wanted, which all too often weren't available. Since then, I have embarked on many extended traveling and backpacking trips, in addition to the activities I like to do regularly in my normal life - a quick hike after work, or biking around the block with the kids and our dog. My journey in apparel began as a materials developer at lululemon in Vancouver, then lingerie and swimwear retail store owner in Ireland, and later, a wholesale and operations manager at Swedish women's brand Skhoop in Anchorage, Alaska. These jobs formed building blocks for what I would realize is my passion: making outdoor gear basics for a multitude of adventures and activities, with fabrics I believe in, while being an excellent employer for my dedicated and creative team. I am excited to help outfit you for your outdoor experiences, and I look forward to seeing you on the trails! Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #321 - Lite Shoes Tales of the AT (September 9-10) | 12 Aug 2025 | 00:25:09 | |
Bio- Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Lite Shoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers. Guest Links- Weather Cam on Mount Washington - http://www.mountwashington.org/cam/deck/index.php http://www.outdoors.org/lodging/huts/huts-madison.shtml First Health Hospice Hospice Services at FirstHealth | Quality End-of-Life Care Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #195 - Lite Shoes Tales of the AT (April 13th) | 21 Feb 2023 | 00:14:28 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers. Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: The Summit: https://www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: https://www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/traildames/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #194 Lagniappe - Rianna Hijlkema | 14 Feb 2023 | 00:43:19 | |
Rianna is a multi-passionate serial entrepreneur living a nomadic life for the past 11 years. As a wilderness guide and nature-based coach, she organizes walking & hiking retreats for women who are (just like her) involuntarily childless, in which she takes them on a transformative journey so that they can start creating a life they love again, despite not having what they want the most. From walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain, and hiking the Appalachian Trail in the USA, to watching the sunrise in the Himalayas. Rianna believes that travel and adventure can be incredibly therapeutic and empowering, and she wants to create opportunities for other childless women to connect with each other, push their limits, and find solace in nature. Guest Links- https://www.riannahijlkema.com/retreats https://www.instagram.com/riannahijlkema/ Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: The Summit: https://www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: https://www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/traildames/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||
| Episode #193 - Lite Shoes Tales of the AT (April 11-12) | 07 Feb 2023 | 00:13:24 | |
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears and questions that swirled around her preparations. She joined the infamous Pack 31- a group of hikers that met online and named themselves after the date they started, March 1, 2003. This community, built on meetings at the ALDHA Gathering and a thousand online hours, still remain friends to this day and Liteshoe, along with many of those original Pack 31 folks can often be found at the Gathering, sharing their stories and knowledge with a new class of hikers. Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: Our website: https://www.traildames.com The Summit: https://www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: https://www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/traildames/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters | |||