In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Sawyer Products, we are joined by Taylor the Nahamsha Hiker. Taylor is a thru-hiker, peak bagger, prominent YouTuber, and as of the recording of this episode, exceptionally pregnant. In addition to hiking the AT in 2021 and 2023, Taylor has also hiked all 48 of New Hampshire’s 4,000 footers. We learn all about her entry into the world of thru-hiking, how she grew her YouTube following- including a friendly sibling rivalry, what the life of running a gift store is like, and her AT-themed Monopoly board game.

We wrap the show with a recap of the remainder of this years AT Trail Days, including consuming butter and dead bodies (fortunately, not related), what Backpacker Radio fans shall henceforth call themselves, the triple crown of things we wish we could buy stock in, and preview a 175-mile hike that Badger is doing around Denver.

Sawyer Products: Check out Sawyer’s Permethrin Pump at REI.

Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.

Shady Rays: Use code “TREK” for 50% off two or more pairs of sunglasses at shadyrays.com.

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Interview with Taylor the Nahamsha Hiker

Time stamps & Questions

00:03:28 - Reminders: Suggest a guest for PCT Days and support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content!

00:06:07 - Trail Days Recap

00:32:15 - Introducing Taylor

00:34:49 - Tell us about moving to New Hampshire

00:37:17 - Tell us about your first hikes in the Whites and how those prepared you for the AT

00:39:15 - What was it like getting off the AT in 2020?

00:42:50 - How does one get into the gift shop business and what is it like?

00:48:01 - Did you start Youtubing during your first AT attempt?

00:50:22 - Tell us about getting back on the AT in 2021

00:52:25 - Tell us about getting off trail to drive a marathon

00:56:00 - Do you prefer hiking solo over hiking with a tramily?

00:58:30 - When did you start getting judgmental comments on your channel?

01:00:27 - In what instance do the comments go too far?

01:02:50 - How do you maintain your motivation while making videos?

01:06:15 - Did you have media training prior to starting Youtube?

01:08:02 - How has your tech changed over the years?

01:09:21 - What standout stories do you have from your 2021 hike?

01:10:30 - Have you always been athletic?

01:12:30 - Tell us about the Belknap Range Redline

01:16:00 - Discussion about Taylor’s wedding and honeymoon

01:17:24 - How did you decide to hike the AT a second time?

01:19:35 - What places did you intentionally return to on your second thru-hike?

01:20:55 - Tell us about the end of your second AT trip

01:26:57 - Did you enjoy the second hike as much as the first?

01:30:30 - Did you feel compelled to stay on trail because of your audience?

01:31:40 - Discussion about Taylor’s trail videos and advice for others
01:33:50 - How do you make sure to record the highs and lows of the hike?

01:36:25 - Do you have any good poop stories?

01:41:48 - Tell us about the Lakes Region Explorer Patch Program

01:42:25 - Tell us about camping while 8 months pregnant

01:44:50 - What videos do you have left to make before giving birth?

01:46:08 - What is the vent diagram between thru-hiker and pregnancy cravings?

01:47:50 - Where can people follow you?

01:48:36 - Sawyer Question: if you were given an unlimited budget to throw a party for any historical figure, who would it be and what would the theme be?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: Every Pizza on the Colorado Trail, Ranked by JT Simmons

QOTD: Beyonce has the beehive, Taylor Swift has the swifties, Lady Gaga has the little monsters…what would Backpacker Radio listeners be?

Triple Crown of things you wish you could buy stock in

New Thing of the Week

Priest Confessions

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

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Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex & Misty with Navigators Crafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, and Tracy “Trigger” Fawns.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: 12 Trees Farms, Bonnie Ackerman, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Joann Menzer, Katharine Rudzitis, Keith Dobie Jr, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

Taylor the Nahamsha Hiker on Hiking the AT Twice, Youtube Fame, and Running a Gift Shop

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