In the twelfth episode, we sit down with Katie Kourakos, who is the Volunteer Engagement Manager at the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference. Katie discusses what it’s like living with Complex PTSD and how she uses survival strategies on and off the trails. She also discusses LNT and how it can benefit mental health. Subscribe on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2dwt3un2 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/4rjhc883 Support this Podcast: ⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hikingpodcast⁠ HIKING IS MY THERAPY IG: @hikingismytherapypodcast Katie’s IG: @katiek46n2 ..read more

In the eleventh episode, we sit down with Luna Pelton, who is eight years old and the youngest female to complete the Catskill 3500. Luna discusses why hiking makes her happy and how she copes when feeling sad on the trails. She also discusses her beloved cat, her family, and her new love for disc golf.  Subscribe on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2dwt3un2  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/4rjhc883 Support this Podcast: ⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hikingpodcast⁠ HIKING IS MY THERAPY IG: @hikingismytherapypodcast ..read more

In the tenth episode, we sit down with Jennifer Timpa, LMSW, CASAC who is a licensed social worker and specializes in addiction services. Jen discusses personal and professional experiences with low self-esteem, anxiety, and how hiking has shaped that for her. Please support this podcast and subscribe: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠ and ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠. Support this Podcast: ⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hikingpodcast⁠ HIKING IS MY THERAPY IG: @hikingismytherapypodcast Jennifer's IG: @appleshampo87 ..read more

In the ninth episode, we sit down with Carlos Gonzalez, creator of the website "Scenes From The Trail", as he discusses having liver cancer while navigating anticipatory grief. Carlos continues the conversation by speaking about how he manages difficult symptoms, side effects, and how the trails continue to save his life, and how it might save others, too. Please support this podcast and subscribe: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠ and ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠. Support this Podcast: ⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hikingpodcast⁠ HIKING IS MY THERAPY IG: @hikingismytherapypodcast Scenes From The Tra ..read more

In the eighth episode, we sit down with Dylan Medici, Manager of Outreach and Education for the "New Jersey Highlands Coalition". Dylan talks about his experiences with ADHD and Cystic Fibrosis. Additionally, he speaks about barriers when asking for help, and how environmental organizations can facilitate that change for others struggling with mental health. Subscribe: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠. Support this Podcast: ⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hikingpodcast⁠⁠ HIKING IS MY THERAPY IG: @hikingismytherapypodcast Dylan's IG: @good_medici New Jersey Highlands Coalition: https ..read more

In the seventh episode, we sit down with Susan Sterngold, LCSW, therapist, avid hiker, and graduate of Columbia University. Susan discusses women's issues surrounded by stereotypes, parental neglect, autonomy, and how to take empowerment onto the trails. She also discusses some of her personal experiences with women's issues that have influenced her approach to managing stressful situations, on and off, the trails. Subscribe: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠. Support this Podcast: ⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hikingpodcast⁠⁠ HIKING IS MY THERAPY IG: @hikingismytherapypodcast Susan's ..read more

In the sixth episode, we sit down with Avalou Ross, founder of "TriState Hikers Inc." 501(c)(3), Co-Founder of "Garifuna Heritage Camp", NYS licensed hiking and camping guide, and mental health advocate. Ava talks about her experiences with severe depression, grief, trauma, and advocacy. She continues the conversation by discussing how she used life-changing experiences to continue to help others on the trail. Subscribe: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠. Support this Podcast: ⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hikingpodcast⁠⁠ HIKING IS MY THERAPY IG: @hikingismytherapypodcast Ava's IG: @a ..read more

In the fifth episode, we sit down with Chelsey Harasym from the mobile app Avenza Maps to discuss its features and how they can uniquely relate when dealing with stressors on the trail.  Continuing the conversation, Chelsey discusses what Avenza offers, including a brand-new feature to be released. In addition, she discusses how SMART goals can be helpful for hikers using the app while out on the trail and what Avenza hopes for its future. Subscribe: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠. Support this Podcast: ⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hikingpod ..read more

In the fourth episode, we sit down with Vicki Ferreira founder of "New York Tristate Lady Hiker Goddesses Group", Masters Olympic Weightlifter and avid hiker. Vicki talks about her experiences with severe depression, love for hiking, and her reflection on the simple things. As she continues the conversation surrounded by the severity of her depression, Vicki reflects on how she climbed out of it, on and off the trails. Subscribe: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠. Support this Podcast: ⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hikingpodcast⁠⁠ HIKING IS MY THERAPY IG: @hikingismytherapyp ..read more

In the third episode, we sit down with Dawn Rivera, founder of "Sunset Chasers", Wyanokies/Ramapo West Local Trails Chair for New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, featured on ABC 20/20, The Star-Ledger, Daily Record, mother of two college boys, healthcare professional, Moderator of "Hike New Jersey", and volunteer superhero. Dawn talks about her experiences with losing a child and how hiking allowed her to navigate through the stages of grief. Dawn also discusses how signs from the universe have lit up the sky to help her find her way back to her son. Subscribe: ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠ and ⁠Apple Po ..read more