Spirituality and Backpacking with Vicar Lyndsay “Wreckage” Monsen (BPR #349)
Release Date: 03/23/2026
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info_outlineIn today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek brought to you by LMNT, Jess and Chaunce are joined by Lyndsay “Wreckage” Monsen. Wreckage is a pastor in training and civil rights advocate and she reflects on what it means to bring spirituality into the backcountry in a way that resonates even with those wary of organized religion. We also touch on formative spiritual moments in Colorado, why the Superior Hiking Trail earned a spot on her hate list, and how her foot got fudged up real good on the Long Trail, complete with photographic evidence.
We wrap the show with news of a climber who's accused of manslaughter after leaving his girlfriend near a mountain summit, we discuss whether my getting a carwash is diva behavior, the triple crown of pies, and an unhinged tangent into the subject of AI.
LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.
Mountainsmith: Use code “TAKEAHIKE” for 20% off at mountainsmith.com.
[divider]
Interview with Lyndsay “Wreckage” Monsen
Time stamps & Questions
00:08:25 - Reminders: Sign up for the Trek’s newsletter, subscribe to The Trek's Youtube, apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!
00:13:39 - Introducing Lyndsay
0:17:10 - Do your hikes help you in any way in your seminary work?
0:18:25 - Have any of your religious beliefs changed based on your hiking?
0:19:25 - Tell us about who you were when starting the AT
0:24:45 - What are your thoughts on body image as it relates to thru-hiking?
0:28:37 - What other standout moments did you have on the AT?
0:32:05 - What is seminary school?
0:39:55 - Tell us about doing the Long Trail
0:43:57 - Did you find that you were more spiritually challenged on the Long Trail?
0:45:35 - Tell us about the connection between the outdoors and spirituality
0:51:10 - What are your dates more shocked by?
0:52:25 - Discussion about the Lake City Hiker Center
1:00:31 - Did you find that your discussions on trail naturally veer towards spirituality?
1:05:09 - What was your confession at the Priest Shelter?
1:11:55 - What did you think about the Superior Hiking Trail?
1:22:05 - Tell us about the Colorado Trail
1:30:25 - Tell us your pee story
1:37:37 - Any standout stories from the Colorado Trail?
1:40:45 - Lyndsay’s raccoon story
1:43:55 - Tell us about the relationship between nature access and church attendance
1:55:40 - What are your thoughts about the concept of sex?
1:58:00 - What are your future hiking plans?
2:00:25 - Tell us about getting arrested
2:11:55 - Stay Salty Question: What is your hottest take in the world of backpacking or the outdoors at large?
Segments
Trek Propaganda
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Climber Accused of Manslaughter After Leaving Girlfriend Near Summit of Austria’s Highest Peak by Kelly Floro
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Hiker Rescued From Appalachian Trail in the Smokies After Emergency SOS by Katie Jackson
QOTD: Is getting a car wash diva behavior?
Triple Crown of pies
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
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