June 18th, 2025 (Maine): Time to Relax | Episode 24

REPLAY: Prepping for the AT: Introductions | Episode 1

Today’s episode is our first replay episode in this four-week retooling stretch. This week on the podcast, we are revisiting the foundations of the journey, re-airing Episodes 1, 3, and 6 to cover the first two weeks of the trek and lead back into that first riverside interview with Ratatouille. In this debut episode, we make some introductions—I introduce myself, what I’m trying to do with this podcast, and give a high-level view of the 2,190-mile southbound journey I took in 2025. This is where the story all began, unfolding exactly as it was recorded in real time through my online trail journal. Follow the written journal here:  https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/677895 [https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/677895] See the photos from this entry on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/musehikes [https://www.instagram.com/musehikes] Questions, feedback or just want to say Hi!  museatpodcast@gmail.com [museatpodcast@gmail.com] Please visit our sponsors! Summit Ready Apparel  https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/ [https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/] Walk Up Hill  https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ [https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ]

June 18th, 2025 (Maine): Time to Relax | Episode 24

In this episode, we enjoy a restful and well-deserved zero day in Monson. Tune in to find out what our very first zero day in town was like, and hear a little bit more about the town beyond the property lines of the hostel! Important Note: This is our final new episode before a planned 4-week mid-summer break. Don't worry, the hike isn't over, and your feed won't be empty! Over the next four weeks, we will be airing special replay episodes of some favorite moments so far. We will be back with brand-new episodes on Monday, July 27th. Use this time to revisit the early days of the trail, and we'll see you back on the journey soon! CONNECT WITH THE JOURNEY Read the original written journal entry: https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/680786 [https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/680786] See the photos from this day on the trail: https://www.instagram.com/musehikes@musehikes on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/musehikes] Say hello, share feedback, or ask a question: museatpodcast@gmail.com [museatpodcast@gmail.com] SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! Summit Ready Apparel: https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/ [https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/] Walk Up Hill: https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ [https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ]

June 17th, 2025 (Maine): Out of the Wilderness | Episode 23

Today we leave the Hundred Mile Wilderness and begin our stay at Shaw’s Hiker Hostel in Monson, Maine! In this episode, Muse paints a picture of what it’s like to rest your feet at Shaw’s, from the layout of the buildings on property to the various services, vibe, and culture that make this hostel a legendary stop on the Appalachian Trail.  Tune in to learn more.  CONNECT WITH THE JOURNEY Read the original written journal entry: https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/680747 [https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/680747] See the photos from this day on the trail: https://www.instagram.com/musehikes@musehikes on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/musehikes] Say hello, share feedback, or ask a question: museatpodcast@gmail.com [museatpodcast@gmail.com] SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! Summit Ready Apparel: https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/ [https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/] Walk Up Hill: https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ [https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ]

Interview: Hippie Chick and Poet | Episode 22

As we left our heroes (Muse and Wayfinder 🙂) on the verge of entering the awesome trail town of Monson, Maine, let’s break from the story again for another great interview! On the show today are none other than the owners of the legendary Shaw’s Hiker Hostel in Monson - Hippie Chick and Poet!  We get to hear their wisdom on hiking, uncover the backstory of their AT journey, and take a backstage look at what it takes to support so many thru-hikers.  CONNECT WITH THE JOURNEY Check out Shaw’s Hiker Hostel online:  http://www.shawshikerhostel.com [http://www.shawshikerhostel.com] Follow Muse on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musehikes@musehikes [https://www.instagram.com/musehikes] Say hello, share feedback, or ask a question: museatpodcast@gmail.com [museatpodcast@gmail.com] SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! Summit Ready Apparel: https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/ [https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/] Walk Up Hill: https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ [https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ]

June 15th-16th, 2025 (Maine): Trail Magic! | Episode 21

Our last full episode in the Hundred Mile Wilderness!  And rumors of trail magic propel us forward. To date, we haven’t really talked much about specific hardships we endured in the Hundred.  Sure, we’ve mentioned the endless rocks and roots, but what were we really dealing with out there?  As we prepare to leave this legendary stretch of woods behind, let’s take a deeper look at what was difficult.  CONNECT WITH THE JOURNEY Read the original written journal entry: https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/680745 [https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/680745] See the photos from this day on the trail: https://www.instagram.com/musehikes@musehikes on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/musehikes] Say hello, share feedback, or ask a question: museatpodcast@gmail.com [museatpodcast@gmail.com] SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! Summit Ready Apparel: https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/ [https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/] Walk Up Hill: https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ [https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ]