The Trail Dames Podcast
Episodes
Episode #253 - Lite Shoes Tales of the AT (June 3-4)
02 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears...
Episode #252 - Debby Roberts (Bear Repellent)
26 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Debby became a Girl Scout leader when her daughter was young, and found herself learning all the camping and backpacking skills so that she could take...
Episode #251 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT (June 1-2)
19 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears...
Episode #250 Lagniappe - Karen Rutter
12 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Karen Lord Rutter is a retired teacher and administrator with over 30 years in education whose work with students ranged from preschool through hi...
Episode #249 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT (May 30-31)
05 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears...
Episode #248- Christine Reed
27 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Bio- Christine discovered long distance backpacking while surfing the internet at work. She decided that day to attempt to thru-hike the Appalachian T...
Episode #247 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT (May 28-29)
20 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears...
Episode #246 - Kara Hardman (Thicket Adventure)
13 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Bio- Kara Hardman is the Chief Fun Officer of Thicket Adventure and a curvy adventurer living in Colorado. Her favorite adventures include hiking with...
Episode #245 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT (May 26-27)
06 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears...
Episode #244 - Fifth Tuesday - Bonnie Nork
30 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Bio- Bonnie Nork lives in Southern Oregon with her husband, Mike, and daughter, Elaina. Her son, Ryan, is in college. Being active in the outdoors has...
Episode #243 - Aaron Owens Mayhew (Back Country Foodie)
23 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Bio- Aaron is a registered dietitian and backpacker with over twenty years of experience in the field of nutrition and in the backcountry. In 2017, s...
Episode #242 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT (May 24-25)
16 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears...
Episode #241 - Judy Young (Gray Jay)
09 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Bio- Born on a dairy and tobacco farm, one of my chores was bringing in the cows for milking. I enjoyed walking over our 100 acres to get the cows, or...
Episode #240 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the Trail (May 22-23)
02 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears...
Episode #239 - Heather Kelly (Heather's Choice)
26 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Bio- I was born and raised in Alaska, where I still call home today. I was a two-time NCAA National Champion in women's rowing and was voted CRCA/Poco...
Episode #238 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the Trail (May 19-21)
19 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears...
Episode #237 - Lindsay Wenndt - Healthy Knees for Hiking
12 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Bio- Lindsay Wenndt is a nationally certified health coach and fitness instructor, with specialty certifications in weight management and orthopedic h...
Episode #236 - Katlin (Katie) Rhodes
05 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Katie Rhodes is a mountain ultra runner, hiker, Wilderness Education Instructor and NYS Licensed Guide based out of the Adirondack Mountains of New Yo...
Episode #235 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT May 17-18
28 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears...
Episode #234 Lagniappe - The "P" word, the "A" word, and Making a Difference
21 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Anna, aka Mud Butt, is the host of the Trail Dames podcast, the founder of Trail Dames, Inc, and the owner of Huthmaker Fine Violins in Atlanta, GA. A...
Episode #233 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT May 15-16
14 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears...
Episode #232 - Suzanne Roberts
07 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Bio- Suzanne Roberts is the author of the lyrical essay collection Animal Bodies: On Death, Desire, and Other Difficulties (Longlisted for the 2023 PE...
Episode #231 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT (May 13-14)
31 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears...
Episode #230 - Melissa Goodwin aka Click
24 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Bio- Melissa “Click!” Goodwin, a licensed outdoor guide and photographer. She is the founder of Girl Gotta Hike, which connects women with nature,...
Episode #229 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT (May 11-12)
17 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears...
Episode #228 Lagniappe - Christy Espy and the GEHC
10 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Bio- My name is Christy Espy, my background ranges from being a coastal biologist in Miami to a stay at home mom to my current gig as the science prog...
Episode #227 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT (May 9-10)
03 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears...
Episode #226 - Mingrey Wong
26 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Bio- My name is Mingrey, I was born with the last name Lim but adopted by the Wong family since day one. I grew up in Malaysia, at age 11, my family m...
Episode #225 - Lite Shoe (Tales of the AT May 7-8)
19 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears...
Episode #224 Lagniappe - Aleah Haugen
12 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Bio- I have grown up in Washington State my whole life near Mount Rainier and was introduced to exploring the outdoors by my Grandma when I was 5. I'v...
Episode #223 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT (May 5-6)
05 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears...
Episode #222 - Fifth Tuesday - Kelly Howard (Fit is Freedom)
29 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Kelly Howard is the Fitness Consistency Expert with a touch of Adventure and the author of FIT: Active & Ageless for Life! For over 25 years she has h...
Episode #221 - Rose Vanderhoof
22 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Bio- I was born in San Diego, California, the 6th of 7 children. Five brothers and a sister. Attended elementary, Junior High, High School and Communi...
Episode #220 - LiteShoe's Tales of the AT (May 2-4)
15 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears...
Episode #219 - Teresa French (Wench - Class of 2003)
08 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Teresa's Bio: I grew up in Florida, the youngest of four children from loving, caring and supportive parents. We were an active family, involved in sp...
Episode #218 - Lite Shoe (Tales of the AT April 30-May 1)
01 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears...
Episode #217 - Bri Martinez (Wild Moon)
25 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Bri Martinez is the CEO and founder of Wild Moon LLC. She has spent the last decade as an educator and outdoor guide, leading backpacking, rock climbi...
Episode #216 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT April 28-29
18 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears...
Episode #215 Lagniappe - Marianne Bohr and The GR20
11 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Marianne C. Bohr, published author and award-winning essayist, married her high school sweetheart and travel partner. She follows her own advice and h...
Episode #214 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT April 26-27
04 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears...
Episode #213 - Lisa Work (Final Camino)
27 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Lisa has been in education for over 30 years serving in private schools and public schools in the roles of teacher, administrator, and consultant. In ...
Episode #212 - Liteshoe's Tales of the AT (April 25)
20 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears...
Episode #211 - Lisa Work (Camino Days 1-2)
13 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Lisa has been in education for over 30 years serving in private schools and public schools in the roles of teacher, administrator, and consultant. In ...
Episode #210 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT (April 24)
06 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears...
Episode #209 - 5th Tuesday - Lisa Work (Camino Preparation)
30 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Lisa has been in education for over 30 years, serving in private schools and public schools in the roles of teacher, administrator, and consultant. In...
Episode #208 - Debbie Mercer (ZipHers)
23 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In 2005 Debbie founded a non-profit, Beyond the Finish Line, in 2006 (dissolved in 2011) which purpose was to help disadvantaged women gain self-es...
Episode #207 - LiteShoe's Tales of the AT (April 22-23)
16 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears...
Episode #206 Lagniappe - Update from Em Janacek (In Tune)
09 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
My name is Em, trail name, In Tune. I’m into a lot of outdoor adventure-type activities and also all things music. I’m 24 years old, from Canada, ...
Episode #205 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT (April 20-21)
02 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears...
Episode #204 - Sage Gustafson (Set the Stage Dog Training)
25 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sage Gustafson is a dog trainer and owns Set the Stage Dog Training. She’s a lifelong hiker and knows just how valuable spending time in nature is f...
Episode #203 - LiteShoe's Tales of the AT April 18-19
18 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears...
Episode #202 Lagniappe - Update from Collin Chambers (Wildwood Magic)
11 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Collin guides those seeking self-empowerment and personal transformation on enchanted journeys through a magical blend of Sacred Movement, Rituals & C...
Episode #201 - Lite Shoe's Tales of the AT April 16-17
04 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears...
Episode #200 - Carla Robertson (Living Wild and Precious)
28 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Bio- I’ve been coaching for over a decade. Before I was a coach, I spent many years teaching science to middle schoolers, and it was there that I le...
Episode #199 - Lite Shoes Tales of the AT (April 15)
21 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears...
Episode #198 Lagniappe - Update on Ascend with Marina LeGree
14 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Marina and her Ascend board of directors were faced with insurmountable odds when Afghanistan's government fell to the Taliban. The young women of Asc...
Episode #197 - Lite Shoes Tales of the AT (April 14)
07 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears...
Episode #196 - Jen Loofbourrow (Alpine Fit)
28 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In my early twenties, I fell in love with expeditions kayaking the outer islands of Alaska's southeast coastline. Inevitably, we experienced variable ...
Episode #195 - Lite Shoes Tales of the AT (April 13th)
21 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears...
Episode #194 Lagniappe - Rianna Hijlkema
14 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Rianna is a multi-passionate serial entrepreneur living a nomadic life for the past 11 years. As a wilderness guide and nature-based coach, she organi...
Episode #193 - Lite Shoes Tales of the AT (April 11-12)
07 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears...
Episode #192 - 5th Tuesday - Dixie Huthmaker (Mud Butt's Mom)
31 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dixie Huthmaker grew up in Jackson, Mississippi, where she became an accomplished musician and teacher. In the years that followed, she married the lo...
Episode #191 - Gail Storey
24 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Gail D. Storey is the author of I Promise Not to Suffer: A Fool for Love Hikes the Pacific Crest Trail, winner of the National Outdoor Book Award, Col...
Episode #190 - LiteShoe (Tales of the AT Apr 10)
17 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears...
Episode #189 Lagniappe - A Fresh Approach to Hiking in 2023
10 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Anna, aka Mud Butt, is the founder of Trail Dames Incorporated, a hiking club for women of a curvy nature. Between running her families violin shop (H...
Episode #188 - LiteShoe (Tales of the AT Apr 9)
03 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears...
Episode #187 - Meghan J Ward, Author
27 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Meghan J. Ward is a writer, editor, digital content specialist and all-around storyteller based in Banff, Canada (Treaty 7 territory). A fellow of ...
Episode #186 - LiteShoe (Tales of the AT Apr 7-8)
20 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears...
Episode #185 Lagniappe - How to Spread Holiday Cheer Hiking-Style
13 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Anna, aka Mud Butt, is the host of the Trail Dames podcast and the founder of Trail Dames. She is always looking for ways to encourage people to get o...
Episode #184 - LiteShoe's Tales of the AT (Apr 5-6)
06 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears...
Episode #183 - 5th Tuesday - The Women of the Georgia ATC
29 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Deborah Webb - Retired from Verizon and involved with GATC for the past five years as a volunteer for Activities Committee, Hike Leader, and Trail Amb...
Episode #182 - Bowen Blair, Author "A Force for Nature: Nancy Russel's Fight to Save the Columbia Gorge"
22 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Bowen Blair is an environmental attorney who has protected some of the nation’s most important landscapes. In the Columbia Gorge, Blair helped draft...
Episode #181 - LiteShoe's Tales of the AT (Three Weeks!!)
15 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears...
Episode #180 Lagniappe - Eupepsia on the AT
08 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Anna is the host of the Trail Dames podcast, the Founder of Trail Dames, The Summit, and the Trail Dames Foundation. When she isn’t dancing up the t...
Episode #179 - LiteShoe's Tales of the AT (Mar 13-14)
01 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears...
Episode #178 - Song Kim
25 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Bio- I am a soulful coach and heart-led content creator who is following my soul’s calling to cultivate greater love, inner strength, and healing in...
Episode #177 - LiteShoe's Tales of the AT (Mar 10-12)
18 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears...
Episode #176 Lagniappe - Cool Stuff on the Horizon!
11 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A Force for Nature: Nancy Russell’s Fight to Save the Columbia Gorge, by Bowen Blair. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60503767-a-force-for-natur...
Episode #175 - LiteShoe's Tales of the AT (Mar 8-9)
04 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears...
Episode #174 - Andrea Lani
27 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Andrea Lani is the author of Uphill Both Ways: Hiking toward Happiness on the Colorado Trail (Bison Books, 2022). The book chronicles the 500-mile hi...
Episode #173 - LiteShoe's Tales of the AT (Mar 4-7)
20 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears...
Episode #172 Lagniappe - Rosanna Rostad
13 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Rosanna Rostad is an active mom and grandmother who can often be found hiking, backpacking, leading hikes, and serving on the Board of Directors for t...
Episode #171 - LiteShoe Tales of the AT (March 2-3)
06 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears...
Episode #170 - 5th Tuesday - Jamie Neal (Lifetree Women Care)
30 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
26 years ago, I was blessed to have Jamie Gregory as a student. She had the most open heart and the brightest of spirits and was a true joy to be arou...
Episode #169 - Suzanne DeGrasse
23 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
After 14 years as a librarian, Suzanne left that field in 2013. She knew she still wanted to be of service but wanted to help animals rather than peo...
Episode #168 - LiteShoe's Tales of the AT (Feb 28 - Mar 1)
16 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training, and stomping down fear...
Episode #167 Lagniappe - Celeste Queen
09 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Celeste Queen is, in her own words, "a retiree loving the hiking life, especially the slow and steady part!" She took up hiking at the young age of 67...
Episode #166 - LiteShoe Tales of the AT #16-17 (Pre-Hike)
02 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training, and stomping down fear...
Episode #165 - Amy Edelstein
26 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
IPPY-award winner and #1 Amazon bestselling author, Amy Edelstein has a unique perspective on the relationship between the inner journey and outer cha...
Episode #164 - LiteShoe's Tales of the AT #12-15 (Pre-Hike)
19 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training, and stomping down fear...
Episode #163 - LiteShoe's Tales of the AT #10-11 (Pre-Hike)
05 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training and stomping down fears...
Episode #162 - Diane Harsha (Sticks)
28 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Diane "Sticks" Harsha is the author of the recently published (and now also available on Audible) Sticks and Stones: How to Hike the AT in 13 Years. T...
Episode #161 - LiteShoe's Tales of the AT #8-9 (Pre-Hike)
21 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training, and stomping down fear...
Episode #160 Lagniappe - Introductions with Kim Weiler
14 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Kim is the Co-Head Dame of the Georgia Chapter of Trail Dames and a member of the Trail Dames Board of Directors. Between her fantastic sense of humo...
Episode #159 - LiteShoe's Tales of the AT #7 (Pre-Hike)
07 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training, and stomping down fear...
Episode #158 - 5th Tuesday - Spirituality on the Trail (Panel Discussion)
31 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We have a panel discussion for you today about spirituality on the trail. Who better than these three ladies to talk with on this fascinating subject?...
Episode #157 - Em Janacek (In Tune)
24 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
My name is Em, trail name, In Tune. I’m into a lot of outdoor adventure-type activities and also all things music. I’m 24 years old, from Canada, ...
Episode #156 - LiteShoe's Tales of the AT #5&6 (Pre-Hike)
17 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Leitschuh was bitten by the AT bug in 2002. With no real backpacking experience, she threw herself into learning, training, and stomping down fear...
Episode #155 - Anne Gardner (Let's Go)
10 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Writer. Minister. Adventurer. After spending twenty-five years working at two of Boston’s premier educational institutions, Harvard University and P...
Episode #154 - LiteShoe's Tales of the AT #4 (Pre-Hike)
03 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
More trail lessons as my friend, LiteShoe, tests out her gear, and pushes out of her comfort zone, getting closer to hitting the AT! Jan Leitschuh was...