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

👉 Learn more about the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge: ⁠https://sixpackofpeaks.com/

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/track/roo-walker/flight-mode?rt=uc-referral

License code: 3EVZHM9WW6NBQH9B

San Diego’s hiking scene goes far beyond beaches and popular summit trails.

In this episode of the Social Adventures Podcast, Jeff Hester talks with Chris Griffith and Susie Kara Slater, two hikers who have explored nearly every corner of San Diego County. Both are finishers of the demanding San Diego 100 Peaks Challenge and the Sierra Club 100 Peaks List, and they’re the co-authors of the upcoming guidebook Urban Trails: San Diego.

We dive into what it takes to complete 100 peaks in a single year, how trail-less navigation builds confidence, and why urban hiking is one of the most powerful—and overlooked—ways to connect with the outdoors. Chris and Susie also share underrated trails, lessons learned from years of peak bagging, and how San Diego’s hiking culture has evolved over the past decade.

If you’re curious about urban trails, hidden canyons, desert peaks, or finding adventure close to home, this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe

💬 Share your story or apply to be a guest: https://socialhiker.net/podcast

👉 Learn more about the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge: https://sixpackofpeaks.com/

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/track/roo-walker/flight-mode?rt=uc-referral

License code: 3EVZHM9WW6NBQH9B

Trail magic is one of hiking’s most powerful traditions — unexpected kindness when you need it most.

In this roundtable episode, Jeff Hester is joined by Derek Loranger, Curt Cragg, and Neenah Spellman to tell the story of the legendary Muir Taco Hut — a multi-year trail magic tradition serving fresh tacos and cold beer deep in the Sierra Nevada.

They share origin stories, logistics, mishaps, emotional moments, and how trail magic turns tough days into unforgettable ones — plus how anyone can pay it forward on the trail.

🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe

💬 Share your story or apply to be a guest: https://socialhiker.net/podcast

👉 Learn more about the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge: https://sixpackofpeaks.com/

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/roo-walker/fligh...

License code: 3EVZHM9WW6NBQH9B