In 2018, the Strawbridge family - including four kids aged 11 to 16 - walked from Canada to Mexico along the Pacific Crest Trail. Their story is told in the book ”Pretty Good at Walking,” but a 2,650-mile journey creates more stories than one book can hold. Join author Vince Strawbridge as he sits down with the colorful characters who shaped his family’s adventure - from trail angels and fellow hikers to musicians and mountain guides. Each episode reveals a new perspective on shared moments from the trail, exploring how individual journeys intertwine to create the unique culture of the PCT. Whether you’re a long-distance hiker, an armchair adventurer, or simply love a good story, Pretty Good at Talking invites you to discover the community that makes the Pacific Crest Trail more than just a path through the wilderness.
Pretty Good at Talking
Claim This Podcastby Vince Strawbridge
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Podcast Overview
In 2018, the Strawbridge family - including four kids aged 11 to 16 - walked from Canada to Mexico along the Pacific Crest Trail. Their story is told in the book ”Pretty Good at Walking,” but a 2,650-mile journey creates more stories than one book can hold. Join author Vince Strawbridge as he sits down with the colorful characters who shaped his family’s adventure - from trail angels and fellow hikers to musicians and mountain guides. Each episode reveals a new perspective on shared moments from the trail, exploring how individual journeys intertwine to create the unique culture of the PCT. Whether you’re a long-distance hiker, an armchair adventurer, or simply love a good story, Pretty Good at Talking invites you to discover the community that makes the Pacific Crest Trail more than just a path through the wilderness.
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Publishing Since
1/10/2025
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Recent Episodes
December 24, 2025
13 - Lauren Roerick - Hiking the HexaTrek and world touring
In this conversation, Lauren Roerick shares her experiences hiking the Hexatrek, a long-distance trail in France. - Important Links: Lauren: https://www.laurenroerick.com/ https://www.instagram.com/laurenroerick https://www.youtube.com/c/laurenroerick She discusses her preparation, the challenges of resupplying, and the beauty of the landscapes she encountered. The conversation also touches on the importance of cultural adaptability, the social aspects of hiking, and the technical challenges presented by the trail. Lauren emphasizes the need for flexibility in navigation and reflects on the personal growth that comes from such adventures. In this conversation, Lauren and Vince discuss the evolving landscape of hiking and outdoor adventures, focusing on the rise of young shepherds, the experiences on the Hexatrek, and the joys of slow travel. They explore the importance of personal interactions with locals, the development of new hiking tours, and the challenges of creating engaging content while maintaining authenticity. Lauren shares her recent adventures and future plans, emphasizing the value of less-traveled trails and the intimate connection with nature that comes from slow travel. Sound bites "The Hexatrek has many alternate routes." "I'm going to sit on a rock." "I just want to reconnect with nature." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Hexa Trek 03:57 The Journey Begins: Discovering the Hexa Trek 05:38 Planning and Resupply Challenges 09:00 Navigating French Culture and Resupply 11:40 Charging Electronics on the Trail 13:19 Experiencing the Landscape and History of France 14:24 Finding Your Stride on the Hexa Trek 17:41 Connecting with Other Hikers 18:54 Flexibility in Hiking: The Hexa Trek Experience 21:40 Exploring Side Quests and Alternate Routes 22:54 Freedom and Flexibility on the Trail 24:47 Technical Challenges and Surprising Terrain 26:08 Weather Challenges and Adaptations 27:22 The Experience of Walking in Extreme Heat 28:26 Kayaking Adventures and Unique Experiences 29:58 Interactions with Locals and Shepherds 31:19 The Role of Dogs in Hiking Experiences 33:05 Guidebooks and Preparation for Thru-Hikes 34:29 Reflections on Slow Travel and Connection to Nature 39:53 Navigating Time and Transition in Hiking 41:20 The Process of Creating Unique Hiking Tours 44:23 Experiences on the Te Araroa Trail 45:48 The Joy of Unpredictability in Hiking 48:29 Recent Adventures and Future Plans 54:34 Balancing Content Creation and Authentic Experience Takeaways Lauren hiked the Hexatrek solo and documented her journey. The Hexatrek offers a unique experience through diverse landscapes in France. Resupply planning is crucial for long-distance hiking, especially in rural areas. Cultural adaptability is important when hiking in foreign countries. The Hexatrek has many alternate routes, allowing for flexibility in navigation. Social interactions can enhance the hiking experience, even when hiking solo. Weather conditions can significantly impact hiking experiences and safety. Technical sections of trails can be challenging and require careful navigation. Hiking in France offers opportunities to explore historical sites and architecture. The journey can be as much about personal growth as it is about the destination. Families are getting excited about homesteading and farming. Young people are increasingly becoming shepherds, moving away from fast-paced technology. Local interactions can lead to unique experiences, such as buying cheese from shepherds. The Hexatrek offers a unique hiking experience, but it may not resonate with everyone. Slow travel allows for deeper connections with nature and local cultures. The transition to a slower pace of life can be challenging but rewarding. Exploring less-known trails can provide a sense of adventure and mystery. Creating hiking content requires balancing authenticity with audience expectations. Personal experiences on trails can vary greatly based on individual
November 19, 2025
12 - Laura Tolbert - the Fellowship of 9 hike the AT
In this conversation, Laura Tolbert shares her family's journey of hiking the Appalachian Trail, detailing their preparation, experiences on the trail, and the dynamics of hiking as a large family. Follow the Tolbert's on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/tolbertstakethetrailVince's book can be found on Amazon:https://a.co/d/c9O3lu9The discussion covers the origins of their hiking adventure, the logistics of planning and resupplying, the challenges they faced, and the growth they experienced as a family throughout the journey. Laura emphasizes the importance of family bonding, the lessons learned on the trail, and the joy of adventure together. Takeaways The idea of hiking the Appalachian Trail originated from a family documentary.Preparation involved years of planning and practice runs.The family gradually added kids to their backpacking trips.Resupply strategies were crucial for managing food for a large family.Trail magic played a significant role in their experience.The journey strengthened family bonds and created lasting memories.Each family member had specific responsibilities on the trail.The experience exceeded their expectations in terms of family growth.Navigating fear and expectations was a challenge for the family.The Tolberts embraced the adventure and are open to future hikes. Titles The Tolbert Family's Epic Appalachian Trail AdventureFrom Planning to Trail Magic: The Tolberts' Journey Sound bites "We just decided, let's try it.""This is going to be great for us parents.""We did a mix of shelters and tent camping." Chapters 00:00 The Origin of the Adventure03:55 Planning and Preparation for the Trail06:30 The Family Dynamic on the Trail08:56 Resupply Strategies and Logistics11:36 Experiencing the Trail: Challenges and Triumphs14:06 The Fellowship: Bonding Through Hiking16:50 Lessons Learned and Family Growth18:58 Reflections on the Journey28:24 Family Dynamics on the Trail29:06 Lessons Learned from Fear Mongering32:28 Navigating Risks and Responsibilities34:56 Shelter Strategies and Group Dynamics39:18 Morning Routines and Hiking Styles43:00 Trail Magic and Community Encounters44:51 Moments of Realization and Commitment46:40 Reflections on the Journey and Future Plans
November 7, 2025
11 - Charlotte & Family Hike the HexaTrek - Pretty Good at Talking
In this conversation, Charlotte shares her inspiring journey of thru-hiking with her family, including her husband and four children. (more below) Follow the Gabels on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsadventureday/ Read my awesome book, Pretty Good at Walking: https://a.co/d/jlktQ9x Learn more about the HexaTrek:https://www.hexatrek.com/en They embarked on an adventure that began with the desire to explore the outdoors together, leading to the decision to hike the Hexatrack in France. Charlotte discusses the challenges of preparing for the hike, the kids' reactions, and the realities of hiking with young children. The conversation also touches on the unique experiences they encountered, such as exploring castles, navigating the Alps, and the cultural interactions with locals. Throughout the journey, they faced various challenges, including weather conditions and safety concerns, but ultimately found joy in the adventure and the connections made along the way. In this conversation, Charlotte shares her experiences hiking with her children in the Alps and the Pyrenees, discussing the challenges they faced, the lessons learned, and the growth they experienced as a family. She emphasizes the importance of knowing your children's capabilities, the value of asking for help, and the unique learning opportunities that arise from outdoor adventures. The conversation also touches on the emotional moments of seeing the ocean after a long journey and the bonds formed between siblings during their travels. Takeaways Charlotte's family embarked on a thru-hiking adventure with four kids.Preparation involved extensive research on gear and logistics.The kids had varied reactions to the idea of hiking.Expectations were kept low to avoid disappointment.The family enjoyed exploring historical sites along the trail.Weather and technical terrain posed challenges in the Alps.Meeting fellow hikers enriched their experience.Resupply strategies were crucial for nutrition on the trail.Cultural interactions highlighted the differences in outdoor activities in Europe.Safety concerns were addressed with careful planning and communication. You know your kids the best.Listening to experienced hikers can provide valuable insights.The Alps presented unexpected challenges despite initial expectations.Kids can surprise you with their capabilities in tough situations.Learning happens naturally through exploration and curiosity.Family bonding strengthens through shared experiences and challenges.Asking for help can lead to unexpected solutions.The journey can be as rewarding as the destination.Outdoor adventures provide a unique learning environment.Simplifying travel planning can enhance the experience. Titles Thru-Hiking with Kids: A Family AdventureExploring the Hexatrack: A Unique Hiking Experience Sound bites "I think I'm ready.""We were just slow.""It was so hot." Chapters 00:00 The Beginning of an Adventure04:17 Preparing for the Thru-Hike07:23 Family Dynamics and Kids' Reactions10:18 First Impressions on the Trail13:14 Exploring the Castles and Landscape16:17 Navigating the Alps19:28 Resupply Strategies and Meal Planning22:13 Interactions with Other Hikers25:19 Reflections on the Journey28:21 The Journey of Perseverance32:51 Inspiring Others Through Adventure37:32 Navigating Challenges and Safety Concerns47:28 Experiencing the Pyrenees vs. the Alps51:21 Learning on the Trail51:28 Curiosity and Learning in Nature54:33 The Growth of Family Bonds56:23 The Emotional Journey to the Ocean58:32 Cultural Experiences Along the Trail01:01:22 Lessons Learned from the Trail01:03:58 Navigating Weather and Safety01:08:38 Future Adventures and Aspirations Keywords thru-hiking, family adventure, hiking with kids, outdoor exploration, travel stories, hiking gear, family bonding, nature experiences, cultural interactions, hiking challenges, family hiking, Alps, Pyrenees, outdoor adventure, kids learning, travel experiences, hiking challenges, family
13 total episodes available
Recent guests on Pretty Good at Talking
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Monica Strawbridge
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Mindi Bennett
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Danae Netteburg
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