Backpacking

G.O. 113 – Jane And Mark

G.O. 113 – Foraging With Jane Fontana & Mark Fitzsimmons Jane Fontana and Mark Fitzsimmons share a unique lifestyle by modern standards. They live within the Angeles National Forest where practicing self-sufficiency amidst nature is a rewarding pursuit. Foraging, wood-working, wine-making, and bee-keeping are only some of the tasks that keep them occupied. Jason sat…

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G.O. 112 – Justin Pugh

G.O. 112 – Justin Pugh is On Rope Justin Pugh’s childhood outdoor experiences were minimal. This began to change while attending university in Florida where he discovered the secret realm of urban exploration. Urbex was his initial gateway to the outdoors—a doorway that exploded open after moving to California and joining a camping trip in…

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G.O. 110 – John Gray

G.O. 110 – John Gray, Adventures Past to Expat Future John Gray grew up as a prototypical Southern California surfer boy. After a divorce in adulthood, he sought to recapture the health and fitness of his youth. He threw himself into hiking, backpacking, climbing, and canyoneering. He and Jason sat at a dark park bench…

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G.O. 109 – Eileen Beall

G.O. 109 – Roaming the US With Whistle Pig Eileen Beall Eileen always had a strong desire for exploration and adventure, despite an ill-planned childhood excursion. Her curious nature lead her across the United States where she repeatedly encountered unique experiences and opportunities. She and Jason sat in the dark woods one evening as Eileen…

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G.O. 107 – Scott Jensen

G.O. 107 – Scott Jensen and Near Zero Scott Jensen spent his youth surrounded by nature and multiple siblings under the tutelage of the Boy Scouts and his accomplished father. As an adult, Scott sought to share the outdoors with his own children, ultimately realizing that his knowledge could benefit others as well. He started…

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G.O. 106 – Ezgi Kunttas

G.O. 106 – Ezgi Kunttas Finds Mountains and Meaning Ezgi Kunttas grew up climbing Mulberry trees in Turkey unaware of the adventures available in the mountains around her. Pursuing a path as a biologist brought her to the United States. Yet, it would ultimately be her divorce at 35 that would motivate her to seek…

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G.O. 104 – John Muir Trail

G.O. 104 – Diaries from the John Muir Trail Named for the beloved naturalist, the John Muir Trail (JMT) traces 213ish miles through California’s spectacular Sierra Nevada mountains. Jason spent 26 days on the JMT in 2019. These are his daily musings and listener’s stories of joy, awe, hardship, frigid lakes, never-ending passes, thunderstorms, food,…

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G.O. 103 – Sean Kamp

G.O. 103 – Thru-hiker Sean Kamp Chooses a Path Sean Kamp sought a life of business suits and politics. As his career began to flourish, he was faced with a decision: a promotion or the Appalachian Trail. Thru-hiking would lead Sean to reassess what he wanted from life and his place in society. Sean and…

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G.O. 101 – John Gage

G.O. 101 – John Gage Seeks to Innovate North Carolina native John Gage grew up exploring the woods and his mechanical predilections. His drive to understand things lead him into the manufacturing industry. An experience with hypothermia while backpacking shifted his perspective on gear culminating in the founding of Appalachian Gear Company. He and Jason…

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G.O. 093 – Rowan Smith

Rowan Smith is a personal trainer for trekkers and mountaineers in Sydney, Australia. In a world bereft of quality training for adventure athletes, he aims to create programs targeting their specific needs. Rowan and Jason spoke over Skype one day about the intricacies of adventure training, his history in the outdoors, and why you shouldn’t sleep on public transit while traveling.

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