Hikes and Mics Podcast
Hikes & Mics is where the trail meets the conversation. Each week, host Ivan Orozco brings together hikers, backpackers, and outdoor adventurers to share the stories, lessons, and inspiration they’ve found in the great outdoors. From life-changing summits to quiet moments on local trails, our guests open up about how nature has shaped their journeys—physically, mentally, and spiritually. Every episode blends thoughtful storytelling with a dash of fun, closing out with our signature This or That: Hiking Edition lightning round. Whether you’re a weekend wanderer, a long-distance thru-hiker, or someone who simply loves the outdoors, this podcast is your campfire circle for connection, community, and adventure. New episodes drop every Monday—plus occasional bonus episodes on Fridays. Lace up your boots, plug in your headphones, and join us on the trail.
Episodes
🌎 Weather, Wildfires & the Human Impact with Paul Rivera ☀️🌧️
In this episode of Hikes & Mics, we’re joined by Paul Rivera—a Louisiana-based journalist, nature lover, and environmental storyteller who has spent over a decade reporting on hurricanes, wildfires, and the changing climate. From his early fascination with weather after Hurricane Katrina to his years covering environmental stories in Texas, South C...
Courage, Comfort & Connection: Building Fridie Outdoors with Lestarya 🌲📱
In this inspiring episode of Hikes & Mics, we’re joined by Lestarya, founder of Fridie Outdoors—a groundbreaking app designed to make camping and outdoor skills accessible anytime, anywhere—even offline. What began as a way to heal after loss during her first hike in the Bay Area has evolved into a movement redefining how people connect ...
“The woods became my therapy. The mountains became my classroom.”
From being 505 pounds to summiting Mount Kilimanjaro — this week’s guest, DonWitt, has lived one of the most powerful comeback stories we’ve ever shared.
As the founder of Hiking with the Bear, DonWitt opens up about transforming his health through hiking, finding community on the trail, and proving that the outdoors truly is for everyone. From that first...
🎙️ Season 12 continues with a journey shaped by deserts, road trips, and unexpected trail moments. 🥾✨
Meet Lyndsay—AllTrails ambassador, science teacher, and lifelong explorer—whose story stretches from childhood camping trips in Ohio to solo hikes across the Southwest. From a 28-day family road trip that sparked her love of travel, to being stalked by coyotes at dusk, to discovering just how alive Death Valley reall...
🎙️ Season 12 kicks off with a story that spans deserts, snowfields, and summits. 🥾✨
Meet Jackson—trail name Gospel—who just finished his PCT thru-hike this summer. From battling early Sierra snow to chasing Northern Washington sunsets, Jackson shares how the trail tested his mind more than his body, the faith that carried him through, and why sunrise on Mount Whitney is worth every frozen step. 🌄
This conversation is...
This fall, Hikes & Mics is back with Season 12—your trail companion for crisp mornings, golden leaves, and stories that push us further.
From long-distance hikers chasing switchbacks and international adventurers exploring new cultures… to veterans finding healing on the trail, storytellers bringing news from the mountains, and guides helping us connect mind, body, and nature—this season is packed with voices that ...
🌿 Speaking Up for Our Parks with Dominique 🐾✨
We’re closing out Season 11 of Hikes & Mics with an inspiring conversation featuring Dominique—Georgia-based hiker, national park enthusiast, and advocate for the land we all share. From peaceful strolls through Georgia’s hidden gems to trail work with Trees Atlanta, Dominique reminds us that being outdoorsy isn’t about chasing miles—it’s about care, connection, and c...
🫎 Moose Encounters & Mountain Stillness with Mark🌲📸
In this episode of Hikes & Mics, we’re joined by Mark—wildlife photographer, storyteller, and moose whisperer. Through solo hikes in Utah’s Wasatch Front, Mark has crossed paths with more than 100 moose, a bobcat at just 40 yards, and countless moments of spiritual clarity in wild spaces.
He shares how hiking became a healing outlet after heartbreak, evolvin...
🎙️ From First Steps to Thousands of Miles with Melanie aka Poppi 🌲🥾
In this episode of Hikes & Mics, we sit down with Melanie, whose journey from two simple overnight trips to conquering the Pacific Crest Trail, Colorado Trail, and Arizona Trail is nothing short of inspiring. With a background in nutrition, she shares how fueling your body with intention can transform the trail experience—from protein coffee rit...
🎙️ Peak Lists, Family Trips & 1,000+ Summits with Brett of @thehuntindaddy ⛰️
In this episode of Hikes & Mics, we’re joined by Brett Marciasini—peak bagger, hunter-turned-hiker, and dad passing his love for the outdoors on to the next generation. From tackling Nevada’s most remote ranges to standing nearly 19,000 feet high in Ecuador, Brett shares what it’s like chasing lists, solitude, and adventure across th...
🎙 No One Walks the Trail Alone
This week, we sit down with George Eshelman — U.S. Army veteran, three-time Appalachian Trail finisher, and the real-life subject of The Keeper film. George shares his raw and powerful story of how hiking the AT — while carrying over 300 name tapes of fallen brothers and sisters — became both a memorial and a turning point in his own battle with PTSD.
From moments of connection with stran...
🎙️Bears, Breakups & Big Views with Maddie of @nomaddiie🐻⛰️
In this episode of Hikes & Mics, we’re joined by Maddie—solo traveler, outdoor content creator, and aspiring wildlife biologist. From road-tripping in her Toyota Corolla to finally summiting Angel’s Landing, Maddie shares how a breakup led her to rediscover freedom, purpose, and presence in the outdoors.
We talk about her journey to visit all 63 U.S. N...
📚 Books, Button-Downs & Backcountry Beauty with Igor Bravemore 🥾🌍
In this episode of Hikes & Mics, we’re joined by Igor Bravemore—hiker, author, and visual storyteller behind the newly released book Out in Nature. Based in the DMV (DC, Maryland & Virginia) region, Igor brings a fresh perspective on the underrated trails of the East Coast, the solitude of off-the-beaten-path adventures, and what it means ...
🌍 Wonders, Whitney & the Wild with Trisha 🏞️✨
In this episode of Hikes & Mics, we’re joined by Trisha—adventure traveler, national park enthusiast, and the storyteller behind @wanderwoman619. From desert trails in Sedona to standing atop Mount Whitney, hiking rim-to-rim across the Grand Canyon, and checking off world wonders like Machu Picchu, Trisha’s journey is a masterclass in fearless exploration and joyf...
🌎 Mountains, Miles & Meaning with Luis of Vamos Hiking Crew 🥾✨
In this episode of Hikes & Mics, we’re joined by Luis—global adventurer, group hike leader, and founder of the Vamos Hiking Crew. Known on Instagram as @mrtraveler.me, Luis has explored 34 countries, summited over 65 peaks, and built a thriving hiking community that blends culture, connection, and courage on every trail.
From childhood hikes in Gua...
🥾 3,000 Miles, One Husky, and a Whole Lot of Oatmeal: Trail Life with Oats 🌲🐾
In this episode of Hikes & Mics, we’re joined by Oats—long-distance hiker, community builder, and the vibrant personality behind @oatshikes. With over 3,000 miles under her boots across trails like the Appalachian Trail, Colorado Trail, Appalachian High Route, and the Pinhoti Trail, Oats brings a wealth of experience and heart to every...
⛰️ Summit Stories & Trail Laughter: Climbing Humphreys Peak with Friends 🥾🎉
Season 11 kicks off with a bang—and a summit! In this special in-person premiere episode, we hit the trail to the highest point in Arizona—Humphreys Peak—joined by friends Kelly, Bekka, Britt, and Grant for an unforgettable group hike. Recorded both before and after our 11-mile, 3,300+ ft climb, this episode captures the nerves, excitemen...
🌍 Season 10 Finale: My Solo Adventure Through New Zealand 🥾
In this special solo finale episode, your host Ivan takes you on a whirlwind journey across the stunning landscapes of New Zealand! What started as a Lord of the Rings-inspired bucket list dream turned into an epic road trip filled with volcanos, glowworm caves, glacial lakes, fall colors, and yes… a birthday bungee jump.
From exploring “Mt. Doom” in Tongarir...
🌵 Desert Peaks & Purposeful Paths with Emily from Little Red Travels 🥾
In this episode of Hikes & Mics, we’re joined by Emily, an Arizona-based adventurer and the voice behind Little Red Travels, whose hiking journey began with a single visit to a national park—and turned into a life built around nature, reflection, and soulful storytelling.
From the Superstition Mountains to Yosemite’s towering cliffs, Emily ...
📝 Stories That Move Mountains: Teaghan on Hiking, Writing & Finding Purpose Outdoors 🌍🥾
In this episode of Hikes & Mics, we’re joined by Teaghan—a gifted storyteller, outdoor journalist, and passionate hiker whose path to the wild began with a spontaneous backpacking trip through Norway’s fjords at 18. From growing up in the Sunshine State to writing for Outside, Backpacker, and Climbing magazines, Teaghan h...
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