Social Adventures — Conversations from the Trail

Way Out Wild -- Building Confidence One Peak at a Time

What happens when a simple hiking challenge becomes the starting point for something bigger? In this episode, I’m joined by Carolina Montero and Nikki Taylor from Way Out Wild, a community focused on helping women build confidence, connect with others, and grow through outdoor adventure. We talk about how they’ve used the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge as more than just a hiking goal—it’s become a powerful tool for building momentum, creating accountability, and helping people realize they’re capable of more than they thought. From first hikes to bigger adventures, this conversation is all about the role community plays in turning “maybe someday” into “I did it.” In this episode, we cover: * The story behind Way Out Wild * Why community matters in the outdoors * How structured challenges create momentum * The mindset shift that comes with completing a goal * Advice for getting started (even if you’re unsure) Learn more: * Way Out Wild: https://www.wayoutwild.org [https://www.wayoutwild.org/] * Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge: https://socialhiker.net [https://socialhiker.net/] Follow the Social Adventures Podcast for more conversations from the trail. 🎵 Music Credit: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!) https://uppbeat.io/track/roo-walker/flight-mode?rt=uc-referral [https://uppbeat.io/track/roo-walker/flight-mode?rt=uc-referral] License code: 3EVZHM9WW6NBQH9B

Adventure as a Family with Rob & Kristin DeCou

Rob and Kristin DeCou made a decision before their first child was born: adventure would be a family value, not just a vacation. They're now at 56 of 63 U.S. National Parks, with just the remote Alaska parks standing between them and completing the mission. Host Jeff Hester sits down with these longtime Six-Pack of Peaks community members to talk raising outdoor kids, managing screens on the road, the Junior Ranger program, and what it really means to design a life around adventure — including blowing two tires at 11,000 feet and turning it into one of the family's best stories. Whether you're a parent wanting to get outside more, a national park fan, or just someone who needs a reminder that adventure is possible at any stage of life — this one's for you. Wild Parks Family: wildparksfamily.com | @wildparksfamily Social Hikers: socialhiker.net | @socialhiker Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/track/roo-walker/flight-mode?rt=uc-referral License code: 3EVZHM9WW6NBQH9B

Why I Climb – Brandi Rubin on Resilience, Recovery, and Returning to the Trail

Since 2018, Brandi Rubin has been climbing peaks, facing fears, and discovering what the mountains reveal about strength, patience, and self-trust. In this episode of the Social Adventures Podcast, Brandi joins Jeff Hester to share her journey through the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge, a standout 2025 season completing four regions, and how an unexpected injury changed—but didn’t end—her relationship with hiking. This is a conversation about resilience, recovery, and why climbing is about far more than summits. “I climb because I want to see this beautiful world for myself—not through pictures.” 🎧 Listen in if you’ve ever: * Wanted to try your first big peak * Been sidelined by injury * Questioned your hiking motivation * Needed a reminder of why you climb Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/track/roo-walker/flight-mode?rt=uc-referralLicense code: 3EVZHM9WW6NBQH9B

Barefoot Peaks, Big Projects, and Finding Meaning in the Mountains with Kenneth Posner

In this episode of the Social Adventures Podcast, Jeff Hester sits down with ultra-runner, author, and barefoot peak bagger to explore the powerful intersection of endurance, mindfulness, and the mountains. Kenneth is the author of , a deeply personal account of completing the legendary Catskills Grid—climbing all 35 Catskills high peaks in every month of the year. Along the way, he discovered something unexpected: stripping away comfort, gear, and even shoes led to a deeper connection with nature—and himself. We talk about: • What the Catskills Grid really is (and why it matters) • Barefoot hiking as “original human mindfulness” • Minimalism, aging, and movement in the mountains • Standout moments from the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenges • Why big, long-term outdoor projects can be life-changing If you’ve ever felt called to the mountains for something deeper than miles or metrics, this conversation will resonate. 🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more conversations from the trail. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):  https://uppbeat.io/track/roo-walker/flight-mode?rt=uc-referral License code: 3EVZHM9WW6NBQH9B

From First Peak to Triple Crown — Carol “Cheer” Coyne on Thru-Hiking, Community, and Transformation

What happens when a simple hiking challenge turns into a life-altering journey? In this episode of the Social Adventures Podcast, Jeff Hester talks with Carol “Cheer” Coyne, a thru-hiker who went from the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge to completing hiking’s Triple Crown—the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Appalachian Trail. Carol shares how long-distance hiking transformed her mindset, helped her navigate post-trail depression, and inspired her to create Thru-r, a nonprofit community supporting thru-hikers before, during, and after trail. This conversation is about resilience, community, and trusting yourself to take the first step—even when you’re scared. 🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe 💬 Share your story or apply to be a guest: ⁠https://socialhiker.net/podcast⁠ [https://socialhiker.net/podcast] 👉 Learn more about the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge: ⁠https://sixpackofpeaks.com/ [https://socialhiker.net/podcast] Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/track/roo-walker/flight-mode?rt=uc-referral License code: 3EVZHM9WW6NBQH9B