Episode #511 - The ALDHA Gathering - October 2025
Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate Mid-Life Crisis
Release Date: 10/16/2025
Episode #526 - Erin Tuveson (Bookie) from Rambling Roots Hostel
Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate Mid-Life Crisis
Today, we meet an AT thru-hiker from the Class of 2015 who went on to buy and run a hostel near the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Erin Tuveson, or Bookie, became so enamored of the trail that she wanted to be around the community she met out there. Erin now owns and runs the Rambling Roots Hostel, bringing her AT knowledge to bear as she puts together the kind of place she loved when she was hiking. ...
info_outline
Episode #525 - Tony Roddy (Silverback)
Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate Mid-Life Crisis
This week, Tony Roddy joins the podcast. Tony walked across America in 2015, vowing to do one of the long-distance American trails ten years later. His original choice was the CDT, but a last-minute change took him to the Appalachian Trail, where he relished his experience. Tony used his time on the AT to raise funds for autism, an affliction close to home in his family. He also raised funds for the Make A Wish Foundation on his walk across America ten years ago. ...
info_outline
Episode #524 - Todd Sears (Nor'Easter)
Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate Mid-Life Crisis
We meet a member of the Class of 2012 this week, who happens also to be a member of this years class of 2026. In fact, Todd Sears is starting the day after I start, in March this year. He had a long career in military intelligence, and brings a military discipline to his hike, both back in 2012 and in his plans for this year. I should be meeting him very early on as he will doubtless breeze past me at speed. You can read about...
info_outline
Episode #523 - Michelle Michaud (Fyrfly)
Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate Mid-Life Crisis
Michelle Michaud is our guest today. She has completed the Appalachian Trail three times, having been on trail every year since the late 90s. Her love for the AT is apparent, and she has managed to parlay that love into a business, helping hikers with their logistics and training as they try to fulfill their own Appalachian Trail dream. You can find out more by visiting Michelle’s website, and her Facebook account at ,...
info_outline
Episode #522 - Dr Rob Scanlon
Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate Mid-Life Crisis
We welcome Dr Rob Scanlon to the podcast today to talk about five essential skills that hikers need to learn to avoid becoming a depressing statistic on trail. Rob shares anecdotes and data to illustrate those five skills, and he has presented a book rich in detail that will benefit most hikers. I’ll certainly be paying attention to several of the points Rob makes in his book as I hit the Appalachian Trail this year. ...
info_outline
Episode #521 - James Kinch (Firewalker)
Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate Mid-Life Crisis
The self-deprecating James Kinch is on the show today, claiming the title of the “Fattest Known Time” on the Appalachian Trail, having twice thru-hiked the trail, starting at well over 300lbs each time. James has published his journal of the hike, and he serves as an inspiration to those who convince themselves that they can’t do this hike for many reasons, one of which is often their weight. James just got on with it and made it to Katahdin each time. You can check out...
info_outline
Episode #520 - Ellen Langford (Adventurine)
Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate Mid-Life Crisis
Ellen Langford, or Adventurine, joins us today. Ellen is a professional artist who had dreamed of hiking the Appalachian Trail for several years before 2025 opened a window for her. On the trail, she found logistics to be challenging, yet utterly “embraced the suck” as she knocked off 1700 miles before an unfortunate health condition curtailed her hike. She took her art tools of the trade with her, sketching as she went along. You can catch up with Ellen and her art at her website, . You can also follow her on Instagram at Also today, Nina Banducci introduced us to Polarsteps, an app...
info_outline
Episode #519 - Jesse Cody & Mike Rose (Hike the Good Hike)
Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate Mid-Life Crisis
We meet Jesse Cody and Mike Rose today, and hear about their non-profit, Hike the Good Hike, an organization committed to enhance mental wellness through nature. They have partnered with several well-known outdoor brands to provide a path for a disparate cohort of people taking on US hikes in 2026. Jesse and Mike value the stories that hikers tell and this podcast will help tell some of those stories as we meet most, if not all, of the 2026 cohort in the coming weeks. I encourage you all to find out more about this deserving organization at their website, and, should you wish to donate to...
info_outline
Episode #518 - Emily Manzon (Tic Tac)
Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate Mid-Life Crisis
Emily Manzon, or Tic Tac, is our guest this week. Emily was looking for an epic way to celebrate her 40th birthday this year, so the Appalachian Trail certainly checked that box. Along the way, Emily gained a respect for the trail and the impact it had upon her, using mantras to reflect her attitude along the way. Missing 200 miles partway through, she could have been content as a 2,000-miler, yet returned to the trail for a more solitary experience as she filled in those miles, heading south. Also this week, I welcomed Dan Durston from Durston Gear to help me with my tent choice for next...
info_outline
Episode #517 - Tom Margaria (Father Tom)
Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate Mid-Life Crisis
Tom Margaria, a retired FDNY firefighter, set out on January 1st from Key West to hike the 5700 mile Eastern Continental Trail. On the way, Tom met up with–and joined–the “Over the Hill Gang,” the group including Dave Santi, one of my Mighty Blue Class of 25 this year. Tom, a man of deep faith, would ask people he met along the way how he could pray for them. This kind request came with a variety of answers, though Tom always saw the positives. He made it to the end, and reflects upon his mammoth journey with Steve. Also on the show today, is Tayson Whittaker, owner of Outdoor...
info_outlineVery limited notes this month, mainly because I'm away and rushing to get this out on Wednesday evening!!
It was an honor to be chosen to present the Saturday evening keynote speech at ALDHA last weekend. I picked my own guests–and subjects–and the event was not only well-attended but also well-received.
First up was Mills Kelly, the well-known AT historian and podcast host of the Green Tunnel. Mills shared a story of how close we came to losing our beloved AT shelters back in the 70s.
After Mills, Casey Huffman, or Vegas, exemplified community on trail in his own distinctive, articulate, and thoughtful way. He has become a friend since we met on my podcast, and that friendship shone through on the night.
Following Casey, I shared a few life lessons I've taken from the trail, before we met Mary Julian, or Pinkie. Mary section hiked the Appalachian Trail over three years, with some unlucky interruptions along the way. She is now a proud member of the ALDHA board.
Then, Dennis Newton, the outgoing ALDHA co-ordinator joined the show as I surprised him by calling him on stage. It was such a surprise that I didn't even get a photo of him!!
I'm delighted that I was asked, and I'm delighted that it is over!!!