The "Jester" Section Hiker Podcast released its first Episode on December 1, 2019. I thought it would be fun to take a look at the Top 10 Downloaded Episodes over the past four years of the show and give you some behind the scenes info. on how those guests ended up on the podcast! Top 10 Playlist (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpmZshhnan2RsPj6gY7LOJTFybYTC6K1X  Top 10 Playlist (Audio): https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/show/jester-section-hiker/category/top-10-downloaded-episodes/  Connect with Julie "Jester" Gayheart: Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com Join Jester On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart Music By: Victor Lundberg "Top of The Morning"

The "Jester" Section Hiker Podcast released its first Episode on December 1, 2019. I thought it would be fun to take a look at the Top 10 Downloaded Episodes over the past four years of the show and give you some behind the scenes info. on how those guests ended up on the podcast! Top 10 Playlist (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpmZshhnan2RsPj6gY7LOJTFybYTC6K1X  Top 10 Playlist (Audio): https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/show/jester-section-hiker/category/top-10-downloaded-episodes/  Connect with Julie "Jester" Gayheart: Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com Join Jester On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart Music By: Victor Lundberg "Top of The Morning"

Jester is excited to share with you all in this episode some bonus content from the Beyond The Trail Podcast - Episode #9. Jester and Austin started the Beyond The Trail Podcast in early 2023 and the live production of the show lives on their company YouTube Channel, Jester Wallis Productions.  Watch More Episodes Of Beyond The Trail: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLskxZDq_L8NRjtcVibW2NbwQudAoFFpzd&feature=shared  Hiker Medals: Website: https://hikermedals.com/ Interview With Hiker Medals:   https://www.youtube.com/live/wGqH4CjMjKU?feature=share Discount Code for 20% Off: JESTER Connect with Nancy East: Website: https://www.hopeandfeathertravels.com/ Chasing The Smokies Moon: https://www.hopeandfeathertravels.com/chasing-the-smokies-moon/ WNC Wilderness Safety Fund: Website: https://wncwildernesssafety.org/ Haywood County SAR: https://www.facebook.com/HaywoodSAR Connect with Heidi Nisbett: Website: https://www.sketchingsummits.com/  Jester Wallis Productions: Business Inquiries: info@jesterwallisproductions.com Website: http://jesterwallisproductions.com Connect with Julie "Jester" Gayheart: Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com Join Jester On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart Music By: Victor Lundberg "Top of The Morning"

I first crossed paths with Alpha Gal back in the Summer of 2020 on a section of the Appalachian Trail. John met up with me and Maria Wishart on a section of trail just north of Shenandoah National Park. In fact as I am typing this it was July 4th 2020! Since then we have kept in touch mostly via Instagram and it's long over due to have Alpha Gal on the podcast! He's continued to Section Hike the AT and I hope he will share his plans with us for an AT Thru Hike in 2024! Connect with John Kriz: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KrizAkoni   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alphagalhikes/   WhiteBlaze.net: https://whiteblaze.net/forum/content.php WhiteBlaze Pages: https://www.whiteblazepages.com/store/ Connect with Julie "Jester" Gayheart: Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com Join Jester On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart Music By: Victor Lundberg "Top of The Morning"

I first crossed paths with Alpha Gal back in the Summer of 2020 on a section of the Appalachian Trail. John met up with me and Maria Wishart on a section of trail just north of Shenandoah National Park. In fact as I am typing this it was July 4th 2020! Since then we have kept in touch mostly via Instagram and it's long over due to have Alpha Gal on the podcast! He's continued to Section Hike the AT and I hope he will share his plans with us for an AT Thru Hike in 2024! Connect with John Kriz: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KrizAkoni   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alphagalhikes/   WhiteBlaze.net: https://whiteblaze.net/forum/content.php WhiteBlaze Pages: https://www.whiteblazepages.com/store/ Connect with Julie "Jester" Gayheart: Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com Join Jester On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart Music By: Victor Lundberg "Top of The Morning"

Jessica launched Virginia Outdoor Adventures because she wanted to provide a platform for Virginians of all backgrounds to tell their stories, to share their connection to the outdoors, and to build a local community where the outdoors are for everyone. She also wanted to tell these stories through a conservation lens to encourage others to be stewards of the outdoors. Jessica is passionate about featuring outdoor recreation and travel opportunities close to home, while also supporting local businesses, tourism, and economic development. Jessica is an avid hiker, cyclist, climber, backpacker, kayaker, photographer, and birder and has earned the Virginia State Parks “Master Hiker” designation. Show notes and sources for this specific episode here: https://virginiaoutdooradventures.com/home/hiking-mcafee-knob-and-virginias-triple-crown-with-diana-christopulos-i-roanoke-appalachian-trail-club/ And don't forget to go over and check out what episode of "Jester" Section Hiker is shared on the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Podcast. You will find that show along with all the episodes of Virginia Outdoor Adventures here: https://virginiaoutdooradventures.com/ Connect with Julie "Jester" Gayheart: Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com Join Jester On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart Music By: Victor Lundberg "Top of The Morning"

Enjoy this Highlight Clip from Episode #162. Andrea's New Book, TRAIL OF THE LOST released on 8/22/23!  Andrea Lankford is the author of TRAIL OF THE LOST and RANGER CONFIDENTIAL, a National Geographic "Top Ten Book About U.S. Parks,” and three trail guides. During her twelve-year career as a law enforcement ranger with the National Park Service, Andrea won several awards for her criminal investigations. After leaving the ranger ranks, the accomplished outdoorswoman thru-hiked the entire Appalachian Trail, kayaked from Miami to Key West, and was the first, with Beth Overton, to mountain bike the 800-mile Arizona Trail. Andrea is now a registered nurse living in Northern California.  Full Episode With Andrea: https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/show/jester-section-hiker/162-trail-of-the-lost-author-andrea-lankford/  Connect With Andrea Lankford:  Website: https://www.andrealankford.com/ Missing From The PCT: https://www.pctmissing.org/ Episode #66 - Cathy Tarr, Founder & Executive Director - Fowler-O'Sullivan Foundation: https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/show/jester-section-hiker/episode-66-cathy-tarr-fowler-osullivan-foundation/ Episode #82 - Sally Guyton Fowler & Terri Kidder: https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/show/jester-section-hiker/episode-82-sally-guyton/ Fowler-O'Sullivan Foundation: https://fofound.org/ Bring Kris Fowler/Sherpa Home: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1841283189418601 San Jacinto Trail Report: https://sanjacjon.com/ Appalachian Trail Section Hiker Series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpmZshhnan2SCN-8gqQOXaADlaU_tEaYj  Connect with Julie "Jester" Gayheart: Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com Website: http://juliegayheart.com Music By: Victor Lundberg "Top of The Morning"

Enjoy a clip of my conversation with Author and Historian Mills Kelly about his book, Virginia's Lost Appalachian Trail. Full Episode With Mills: https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/show/jester-section-hiker/161-virginias-lost-appalachian-trail-author-mills-kelly/   Connect With Mills Kelly: http://millskelly.net/   Appalachian Trail Section Hiker Series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpmZshhnan2SCN-8gqQOXaADlaU_tEaYj  Connect with Julie "Jester" Gayheart: Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com Website: http://juliegayheart.com Music By: Victor Lundberg "Top of The Morning"

Debbi Komlo also known as Omi set our for an adventure of a lifetime with the intention of thru hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2023. Omi certainly had her ups and downs and ultimately decided she would get off trail but continue to section hike the AT. Out on a section hike near Pearisburg, VA she had a fall which resulted in a head injury and many, many stitches. Omi's journey may look different than she originally thought but she is still hiking and putting miles in out on the AT! Connect with Debbi Komlo (Omi):  Follow Omi On YouTube Omi's Gear Email: omisatadventure@gmail.com Connect with Julie "Jester" Gayheart:  Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com Website: Julie Gayheart  Follow Jester On YouTube   Music By: Victor Lundberg "Top of The Morning"

Jester she shares the new podcast schedule going forward, gives a huge thanks to the listeners and watchers of the show, and hopes you will join her for the LIVE recordings of the podcast over on YouTube!  Connect with Julie "Jester" Gayheart:  Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com Website: Julie Gayheart  Follow Jester On YouTube   Music By: Victor Lundberg "Top of The Morning"

Dr. Matt Tracey came into Jester's life in the spring of 2023. Jester was at the end of her rope and hanging on by a thread when she decided to seek help one last time for her right foot. After three surgeries there seemed no hope but a Physical Therapist that understood that hikers are athletes too has changed her life. Jester shares her story of a failed surgery, a corrective surgery, and a nerve removal all led to a path of strength, mobility, balance, and walking pain free! Connect with Dr. Matt Tracey: Architech Sports  Instagram Articles & Information Shared by Dr. Matt  Connect with Julie "Jester" Gayheart:  Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com Website: Julie Gayheart  Follow Jester On YouTube   Music By: Victor Lundberg "Top of The Morning"

Tara Dower (Candy Mama) just set the Colorado Trail Women's Fastest Known Time at 8 days, 21 hours, and 59 minutes. The previous record was 9 days, 10 hours, and 52 minutes by Betsy Kalmeyer. Tara shares all about her recent Colorado Trail FKT, all about her new book Light & Easy, and all about meeting up with Jester this summer to cheer on their favorite Ultra Runner at the Hardrock 100!  Tara's Book - Light & Easy: Email Tara For Copy: tarakomlo99@gmail.com  Follow Tara On YouTube Colorado Trail Fastest Known Time  Hiker Safety Collaboration With Tara Podcast with Tara about the MST FKT: Connect with Julie "Jester" Gayheart: Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com Website: Julie Gayheart YouTube: Join Jester On YouTube  Music By: Victor Lundberg "Top of The Morning"

The Host of The Green Tunnel Podcast, Mills Kelly reached out to me recently and asked if I wanted to "episode swap?". Without hesitation I said "YES". What does this mean? It means I am sharing one of my favorite episodes from The Green Tunnel Podcast and they will be sharing one of their favorite episodes of "Jester" Section Hiker Podcast on their show.   My next steps were to let Mills know which episode of The Green Tunnel Podcast I wanted to share and again without hesitation it was going to be their episode titled, CRAPPALACHIAN TRAIL. When I first heard this episode on their show I thought the title was SO CLEVER and their branding was on point! I've never heard the discussion about POOP on the trail delivered so eliquently and with historical relevance than from Mills. Not only will you hear about pooping on trail but you will also hear best practices on how to do so and the history of privies and their importance to the Appalachian Trail.  What a great idea! Thanks so much Mills! I truly appreciate it. Please go over and check out the show notes and sources for this specific episode here: Crappalachian Trail - The Green Tunnel Podcast And don't forget to go over and check out what episode of "Jester" Section Hiker is shared on The Green Tunnel Podcast! That episode will release on their podcast network on 8/22/23. You will find that show along with all the episodes of The Green Tunnel here: The Green Tunnel Podcast Previous Episodes with Mills Kelly:  Episode #161: Virginia's Lost Appalachian Trail Episode #107: Mills Kelly (Grandaddy Spartan)  Connect with Julie "Jester" Gayheart: Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com Website: Julie Gayheart YouTube: Follow Jester On YouTube Music By: Victor Lundberg "Top of The Morning"

It's been WAY TOO LONG since Maria Wishart aka "Wheezy Pee" has been on the podcast! I have shared many Appalachian Trail miles with Wheezy Pee and she even gave us updates here on the podcast about trail conditions in Duncannon, PA during the Pandemic. Now she is back to share with us more updates and all about her new Appalachian Trail Hiker Shuttling Service, Boots on Trail Shuttles. Boots on Trail Shuttles More Podcast Episodes With Jester & Wheezy Pee  Section Hiking The AT (Summer 2020)  Appalachian Trail Section Hiker Series Connect with Julie "Jester" Gayheart: Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com Website: Julie Gayheart YouTube: Follow Jester On YouTube Music By: Victor Lundberg "Top of The Morning"

Jester decided her Appalachian Trail Section Hiker Series was incomplete without adding information about hiking Katahdin. Enjoy as Jester shares about AT Trail Conditions in Maine, Rules For Hiking the AT in Baxter State Park, and a couple Hostels in Maine to utilize as a resource for hiking Katahdin and The 100 Mile Wilderness. Appalachian Trail Section Hiker Series AT Trail Updates Baxter State Park Appalachian Trail Hostel & Outfitter Shaws Hiker Hostel Connect with Julie "Jester" Gayheart: Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com Website: Julie Gayheart YouTube: Follow Jester On YouTube Music By: Victor Lundberg "Top of The Morning"

Back in 2020 I had the opportunity to meet up with and chat with Tara Dower aka Candy Mama! She met up with me while I was out completing the 40 Day Hikes on the Mountains to Sea Trail.  I split her interview up and added it to my 40 Day Hike Series of shows but always wanted to put it out there as its own episode so I am re-releasing our chat today!  Tara and I talked about her first attempt at an AT Thru Hike, her anxiety and how she deals with that, working at Blue Ridge Hiking Company during COVID, and her Mountains to Sea Trail FKT. I know you will enjoy my interview with Tara on this "Throwback Saturday".  Follow Tara On YouTube MST FKT Video Series Tara On Instagram Hiker Safety Collaboration With Tara  Connect with Julie "Jester" Gayheart: Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com Website: Julie Gayheart YouTube: Follow Jester On YouTube Music By: Victor Lundberg "Top of The Morning"

In this Highlight Clip Jester and Austin share a raw moment about the process of being creators and having fun in the creation process. I love when Austin talks about making a course correction when you stop having fun! Full Episode With Austin: Embracing The Obstacles Connect with Julie "Jester" Gayheart: Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com Website: http://juliegayheart.com Music By: Victor Lundberg "Top of The Morning"

Thought it might be fun to put together some "Highlight Clips" from a few of my favorite podcast episodes so far this year! Ruth Morley joined me on Episode #153 of the show and we had a great conversation about her recent Section Hike on The Florida Trail. She also shared with us about her upcoming hike on the Colorado Trail. Full Episode With Ruth: Section Hiking The Florida Trail HRN Trading Post: https://hrntradingpost.com/ Connect with Ruth Morley (Ruthless): Email: morleyruth@hotmail.com Blog: http://thetrek.co/author/ruth-morley Learn HOW TO Successfully Hike The Appalachian Trail: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpmZshhnan2SCN-8gqQOXaADlaU_tEaYj  Connect with Julie "Jester" Gayheart: Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com Website: http://juliegayheart.com Music By: Victor Lundberg "Top of The Morning"

Thought it might be fun to put together some "Highlight Clips" from a few of my favorite podcast episodes so far this year! Rolf Asphaug joined me on Episode #152 of the show and we had a great conversation about his upcoming hike on the Benton MacKaye Trail and I answered a few of Rolf's questions throughout our conversation. Update on Rolf: Huge Congrats to Rolf for recently completing the Benton MacKaye Trail. So happy for your Rolf! You can follow Rolf's journey on the BMT by visiting his Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/rolfdenver Full Episode With Rolf: https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/show/jester-section-hiker/152-section-hiker-q-a-with-rolf-asphaug/  HRN Trading Post: https://hrntradingpost.com/ Connect with Rolf Asphaug: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rolfdenvers/ Blog: https://thetrek.co/backpacker-radio-134-rolf-gunnar-asphaug/ Learn HOW TO Successfully Hike The Appalachian Trail: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpmZshhnan2SCN-8gqQOXaADlaU_tEaYj  Connect with Julie "Jester" Gayheart: Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com Website: http://juliegayheart.com Music By: Victor Lundberg "Top of The Morning"

Thought it might be fun to put together some "Highlight Clips" from a few of my favorite podcast episodes so far this year! Shawn Neitz joined me on Episode #149 of the show and we had a great chat about his experience at our Hiking Radio Network - Woods Hole Weekend. Enjoy!  Update on Shawn: Shawn recently completed his First AT Section Hike and is documenting his journey on his Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/shawn.neitz.10 Full Episode With Shawn: https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/show/jester-section-hiker/149-section-hiking-the-appalachian-trail/  HRN Trading Post: https://hrntradingpost.com/ Connect with Shawn Neitz:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnneitz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawn.neitz.108 Learn HOW TO Successfully Hike The Appalachian Trail: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpmZshhnan2SCN-8gqQOXaADlaU_tEaYj  Connect with Julie "Jester" Gayheart:  Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com   Website: http://juliegayheart.com Music By: Victor Lundberg "Top of The Morning"