Since 2018, Brandi Rubin has been climbing peaks, facing fears, and discovering what the mountains reveal about strength, patience, and self-trust.

In this episode of the Social Adventures Podcast, Brandi joins Jeff Hester to share her journey through the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge, a standout 2025 season completing four regions, and how an unexpected injury changed—but didn’t end—her relationship with hiking.

This is a conversation about resilience, recovery, and why climbing is about far more than summits.

“I climb because I want to see this beautiful world for myself—not through pictures.”

🎧 Listen in if you’ve ever:

• Wanted to try your first big peak

• Been sidelined by injury

• Questioned your hiking motivation

• Needed a reminder of why you climb

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/track/roo-walker/flight-mode?rt=uc-referralLicense code: 3EVZHM9WW6NBQH9B

In this episode of the Social Adventures Podcast, Jeff Hester sits down with ultra-runner, author, and barefoot peak bagger to explore the powerful intersection of endurance, mindfulness, and the mountains.

Kenneth is the author of , a deeply personal account of completing the legendary Catskills Grid—climbing all 35 Catskills high peaks in every month of the year. Along the way, he discovered something unexpected: stripping away comfort, gear, and even shoes led to a deeper connection with nature—and himself.

We talk about:
• What the Catskills Grid really is (and why it matters)
• Barefoot hiking as “original human mindfulness”
• Minimalism, aging, and movement in the mountains
• Standout moments from the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenges
• Why big, long-term outdoor projects can be life-changing

If you’ve ever felt called to the mountains for something deeper than miles or metrics, this conversation will resonate.

🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more conversations from the trail.

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

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

License code: 3EVZHM9WW6NBQH9B

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