
Episode Four: Walking Off the Grief
Coming soon! This episode will be available on July 16th, 2025.
Matt and Candy experience tragedy on the AT. A friend and fellow hiker loses his life in a tragic accident, forcing Matt to reflect on the loss of his dad, and his reasons for thru-hiking. The AT was born out of grief, and we explore how the trail’s origin story is connected to loss and reflection.
This episode’s guests:
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Jeff Ryan
Author of “Blazing Ahead: Benton MacKaye, Myron Avery, and the Rivalry that Built the Appalachian Trail”
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Philip D'Anieri
Author of “The Appalachian Trail: A Biography”

Birdman and Chili Pepper Woman get the famous photo op at McAfee Knob.

Sunset in the Shenandoahs.

Birdman and Chili Pepper Woman are joined by family on trail!

Chili Pepper Woman in VA.

Sonic takes a power nap.

Sonic checking out a Dark-eyed Junco nest alongside the trail.
Episode Credits:
Produced by: The Wild Lens Collective in partnership with New Hampshire Public Radio
With Support from: Big Agnes
Producers: Matthew Podolsky, Taylor Quimby
Promotion/Social Media: Hannah Mulvany
Music by: Blue Dot Sessions