Shows
The 46 of 46 Podcast219.) Winter Hiking Preparation: A Guide to Winter Mountain AdventuresThis week I'll dive into all things winter hiking preparation top to bottom so you can enjoy safe and sucessful snow-covered mountain adventures this winter. Tired of physically struggling on your hikes? Looking for help to improve your your fitness for hiking? Here are 2 ways I can help you do that:1.) Work with James 1-on-1 (online)Apply to work with directy with James 1-on-1 in his Seek To Do More program where he'll help you build the right kind of strength & conditioning for better hiking adventures, al...
2026-01-0928 minThe 46 of 46 Podcast218.) New Years Sessions: A 46/46 Year in ReviewTime for the annual New Years Sessions where I'll give you a behind-the-scenes look at every episode from 2025 so you can check out ones you may have missed or give them a second listen.Tired of physically struggling on your hikes? Looking for help to improve your your fitness for hiking? Here are 2 ways I can help you do that:1.) Work with James 1-on-1 (online)Apply to work with directy with James 1-on-1 in his Seek To Do More program where he'll help you build the right ki...
2026-01-0253 minThe 46 of 46 Podcast217.) Christmas Sessions: Van Hoevy the Snowman of Marcy Dam (and friends)It's time for the annua Christmas Sessions here on The 46 of 46 Podcast.Every Christmas we put an Adirondack spin on an old Christmas classic. This year we'll hear the story of Van Hoevy the Snowman of Marcy Dam. A friend to everyone in the Adirondack High PeaksI've also added the other Christmas specials to this episode so you can enjoy the entire series which includes:- Marlowe the Blue Antlered Moose- How Crank the Adirondack Hermit Stole Christmas- The Night Before Christmas...
2025-12-2338 minThe 46 of 46 Podcast216.) Summit Sessions #81: Great Range Athlete BIG SLIDE TeamThis is the story of the Great Range Athlete BIG SLIDE Team and our recent team winter ike up Cascade Mountain in 60 mph winds. What a ride it was!Tired of physically struggling on your hikes? Looking for help to improve your your fitness for hiking? Here are 2 ways I can help you do that:1.) Work with James 1-on-1 (online)Apply to work with directy with James 1-on-1 in his Seek To Do More program where he'll help you build the right kind of strength & conditioning f...
2025-12-1951 minThe 46 of 46 Podcast215.) Adirondack 92’er: New Perspectives After Two Rounds of the 46In September 2025 I officially completed a second round of the Adirondack 46 High Peaks. In this podcast I'll dive into the fresh perspectives these mountains offer that can only be learned through mutiple visits.Tired of physically struggling on your hikes? Looking for help to improve your your fitness for hiking? Here are 2 ways I can help you do that:1.) Work with James 1-on-1 (online)Apply to work with directy with James 1-on-1 in his Seek To Do More program where he'll help you build the right k...
2025-12-1222 minThe 46 of 46 Podcast214.) Summit Sessions #80: Great Range Traverse at 70 Years Old with Steve Von SchenkThe title says it all. Get ready for an inspirational story of a man who just completed the Adirondack Great Range Traverse at 70 years old.10 Adirondack mountains, 8 High Peaks, 21 miles, 10k+ elevation gain. What a story this one is.Looking for help to improve your your fitness for hiking? Here's 2 ways I can help you:1.) Work with James 1-on-1 (online)Apply to work with directy with James 1-on-1 in his Seek To Do More program where he'll help you build the right kind of strength & conditioning for b...
2025-11-141h 14The 46 of 46 Podcast213.) October Sessions BONUS: Left No Trace—Into the Wild ADKIn 2010, 22-year-old Wesley Wamsganz left his job in Lake Placid and walked into the Adirondack High Peaks—without gear, food, or a known plan—and he never returned.And his body has never been found. Another tragic story from the ADK High Peaks and a family left without answers.If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Wesley Wamsganz, please contact the New York State Police Troop B in Ray Brook at (518) 897-2000.Follow on Instagram & Facebook:@46of46podcast@jamesappleton46Does your...
2025-11-0714 minThe 46 of 46 Podcast212.) October Sessions: BIGFOOT in the Blue Line 6—Adirondack BigfootThe October Sessions' 6th Annual Bigfoot in the Blue Line episode features Johnny from Adirondack Bigfoot where we get into all things bigfoot sightings inside the Adirondack Park.Follow Johnny on Facebook and Youtube @AdirondackBigfootLooking for help to improve your your fitness for hiking? Here's 2 ways I can help you:1.) Work with James 1-on-1 (online)Apply to work with directy with James 1-on-1 in his Seek To Do More program where he'll help you build the right kind of strength & conditioning for better hiking adventures, along with t...
2025-10-311h 16The 46 of 46 Podcast211.) October Sessions: Left No Trace—Vanished in Tupper LakeIn 2012, 18-year-old Colin Gillis left a party and walked alone into the Adirondack night—but he was never seen again. In a small town where whispers linger and secrets run deep, his family is still waiting for answers.How does someone vanish on a highway, in plain sight, with witnesses just minutes before? And why, all these years later, do rumors still suggest that people know more than they’ve said?Colin’s family deserves closure. His community deserves the truth.If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Colin Gillis...
2025-10-2416 minThe 46 of 46 Podcast210.) October Sessions: Left No Trace—The Hunter Who DisappearedA routine deer hunt. An Army veteran in the woods. A strange sound in the distance. When the group returned to their cars, Tom Messick was gone—and what happened next has haunted the Adirondacks ever since.If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Tom Messick Sr, please contact the New York State Police Troop B in Ray Brook at (518) 897-2000.Follow on Instagram & Facebook:@46of46podcast@jamesappleton46Does your physical fitness ever hold you back from fully enjoying your hiking adventures?
2025-10-1717 minThe 46 of 46 Podcast209.) October Sessions: Left No Trace—Vanished on Mt MarcyOn April 12, 1976, 19-year-old Steven Paul Thomas sat down at a lean-to on the trail to Mt Marcy, brewed himself a cup of tea, and told his hiking partners he was going out for a short walk. He never came back...What followed was one of the most puzzling disappearances in Adirondack history. Hundreds of searchers, helicopters, dogs, and years of follow-up would turn up no trace of the young hiker. His family, especially his brother, would spend decades combing the High Peaks, chasing answers the forest never gave up.Was it exposure, disorientation, or an accident...
2025-10-1012 minThe 46 of 46 Podcast208.) October Sessions: Left No Trace—The Boy Who Disappeared at Camp SantanoniIn July of 1971, eight-year-old Douglas “Dougie” Legg was spending the weekend with family at Great Camp Santanoni in Newcomb, New York. When his uncle told him to run back to the lodge and change into long pants before a hike, Dougie set off on a short, familiar walk of just a few hundred feet. He never arrived. What followed became one of the largest search operations in Adirondack history—yet no trace of the boy was ever found.More than fifty years later, the disappearance of Douglas Legg remains one of the park’s most haunting unsolved mysteries. Was he l...
2025-10-0312 minThe 46 of 46 Podcast207.) Summit Sessions #79: The GRIT 46 with Isabelle CarpenterThis week's Summit Session with Isabelle Carpenter is sure to inspire you. Grit is the only word to describe this woman's journey to 46. From 9 trips to the Dix Range before summiting all 5, to 6 trips to the Seward Range, and many more stories like that. This woman refused to give up. It took her 55 trips to the Adirondacks from Buffalo later, but she is now an Adirondack 46'er.Enjoy this story of perseverance and finding your true joy in the mountains!Follow on Instagram & Facebook:@46of46podcast@jamesappleton46
2025-09-261h 04The 46 of 46 Podcast206.) Summit Sessions #78: The COMEBACK 46 with Chet SzymanskiThe Adirondack 46 creates transformation for people who see the journey. This is Chet's comeback story of almost abandoning his journey alltogether due to weight gain and poor habits, to putting a stop to it, getting help, putting in the work to fight back for his health, and finishing the Adirondack 46.An inspirational High Peaks comeback story.Follow on Instagram & Facebook:@46of46podcast@jamesappleton46Does your physical fitness ever hold you back from fully enjoying your hiking adventures? Here's 2 ways I can help you:1.) W...
2025-09-1943 minThe 46 of 46 Podcast205.) Summit Sessions #77: Great Range Athlete WRIGHT TeamThis is the story of the Great Range Athlete WRIGHT TeamFollow on Instagram & Facebook:@46of46podcast@jamesappleton46Does your physical fitness ever hold you back from fully enjoying your hiking adventures? Here's 2 ways I can help you:1.) Work with James 1-on-1 (online)Apply to work with directy with James 1-on-1 in his Seek To Do More program where he'll help you build the right kind of strength & conditioning for better hiking adventures, along with the nutrition and daily habits n...
2025-09-051h 29The 46 of 46 Podcast204.) The Saddleback Cliffs EpisodeThis week I'm diving in to discuss one of the most anxiety-provoking stretch of trail in the Adirondack High Peaks—the Saddleback Cliffs.I'll give you the info you need to know and dissolve the overwhelm so you can be successful climbing this notorious High Peak.Follow on Instagram & Facebook:@46of46podcast@jamesappleton46Does your physical fitness ever hold you back from fully enjoying your hiking adventures? Here's 2 ways I can help you:1.) Work with James 1-on-1 (online)Apply to wor...
2025-08-2923 minThe 46 of 46 Podcast203.) The Race to the Loj RELOADThrowing it back to a fan-favorite episode. A race on trail on foot and on the road via car. This is the race to loj Follow on Instagram & Facebook:@46of46podcast@jamesappleton46Does your physical fitness ever hold you back from fully enjoying your hiking adventures? Here's 2 ways I can help you:1.) Work with James 1-on-1 (online)Apply to work with directy with James 1-on-1 in his Seek To Do More program where he'll help you build the right ki...
2025-08-2255 minThe 46 of 46 Podcast202.) The Return to Ampersand MountainIn this episode I return to the mountain that started it all for me—Ampersand Mountain.A story of life transformation 7 years in the making. Thanks for being part of it.Follow on Instagram & Facebook:@46of46podcast@jamesappleton46Does your physical fitness ever hold you back from fully enjoying your hiking adventures? Here's 2 ways I can help you:1.) Work with James 1-on-1 (online)Apply to work with directy with James 1-on-1 in his Seek To Do More program where he...
2025-08-0841 minThe 46 of 46 Podcast201.) Summit Sessions #76: Great Range Athlete WOLFJAW TeamReady for a story of persevering in the mountains? Then you'll enjoy this episode from my recent hike in the Lower Great Range with the recently graduated Great Range Athlete WOLFJAW teamJoin the next GREAT RANGE ATHLETE Team and get in mountain-hiking shape in just 6 weeks from your local gym or your house. Learn more HEREFollow on Instagram & Facebook:@46of46podcast@jamesappleton46Get my books:1.) The Adirondack 46 in 18 Hikes: The Complete Guide to Hiking the High Peaks ...
2025-08-011h 07The 46 of 46 Podcast200.) Summit Sessions #75: Adirondack Community FoundationThis week I'm putting the spotlight on another Adirondack organization that work to make the Adirondack Park an amazing place to be. On this Summit Session I sat down with Svetlana from the ADK Community Foundation to talk all about the organization's work as they help working professionals in the ADK community thrive and help other who want to relocate to the ADK community have the opportunity to thrive.From the ADK Community Foundation's Website:Vision for Building Strong Communities across the AdirondacksOur Strong Community Framework — the first-ever philanthropic vision for the Adirondack region — guides our approach to i...
2025-07-251h 00The 46 of 46 Podcast199.) Summit Sessions #74: The Old Forge Quad-Athlon Meets Great Range AthleteIn this special episode of the 46 of 46 Podcast, we head to Old Forge, NY, for the inaugural Forge Quad-Athlon — a one-of-a-kind race that pushes body and mind through four disciplines: bike, hike, paddle, and run. But this isn’t just a story about racing — it’s a story about community, courage, and everyday people doing extraordinary things.Eight members from the Great Range Athlete and Seek To Do More coaching programs signed up to take on this challenge together. In this roundtable-style conversation, you’ll hear from several of them as they share what it was like to take on th...
2025-07-041h 20The 46 of 46 Podcast198.) Summit Sessions #73: The Single-Season Spring NE115 with Will RobinsonThis week hiking savage, Will Robinson, comes back to the podcast to tell the story of his recent Spring single-season NE115. Join the next GREAT RANGE ATHLETE 6-week challenge and get in mountain-hiking shape in just 6 weeks from your local gym or your house. Learn more about the Great Range Athlete Team Program HEREFollow on Instagram & Facebook:@46of46podcast@jamesappleton46Get my books:1.) The Adirondack 46 in 18 Hikes: The Complete Guide to Hiking the High Peaks 2.) Adi...
2025-06-2755 minThe 46 of 46 Podcast197.) Summit Sessions #72: Hike ADK with Jonathan ZaharekThis week Jonathan Zaharek is with me to chat all about his new endeavor, Hike ADK. An online platform for all things hiking in the Adirondacks.Download the HikeADK app in the app store now or visit www.HikeADK.com and take advatange of this phenemonal new resource for hikers.Join the next GREAT RANGE ATHLETE 6-week challenge and get in mountain-hiking shape in just 6 weeks from your local gym or your house. Learn more about the Great Range Athlete Team Program HERE
2025-06-201h 04The 46 of 46 Podcast196.) ADK Pioneers: The First 46ers—Herb Clark and the Marshall Brothers 100 Years LaterIn this special historical episode of the 46 of 46 Podcast, we go deep into the untold story of the very first Adirondack 46ers—Bob and George Marshall, and their legendary guide, Herb Clark.Step back to the early 1900s and follow the trio's rugged, awe-inspiring journey through the Adirondack wilderness—long before GPS, marked trails, or hiking apps.Follow on Instagram & Facebook:@46of46podcast@jamesappleton46Does your physical fitness ever hold you back from fully enjoying your hiking adventures? Here's 2 ways I can help you:...
2025-06-1314 minThe 46 of 46 Podcast195.) Summit Sessions #71: The Great Range Athlete CASCADE TeamThis is the story of the Great Range Athlete CASCADE Team. A group of 21 hikers who came together with the same goals: to impriove their physical fitness for their hiking adventures.This team stretched from Vermont to Alaska and everywhere inbetween. At the end of their 6-week training program we got together in the Adirondack High Peaks for a group hike up Cascade and Porter Mountains in the Adirondacks.This is their story.Join the next GREAT RANGE ATHLETE 6-week challenge and get in mountain-hiking shape in just 6 weeks from your local...
2025-06-0650 minThe 46 of 46 Podcast194.) Summit Sessions #70: The 46'ers Film with Director Blake CortrightThis week I sat down for Summit Session chat with director, Blake Cortright, who is gearing up for the theatrical re-release of his film "The 46'ers" as it celebrates its 10-year anniversary. We'll discuss the filmmaking process in the High Peaks, and everything about the film and the Adirondacks as the main character.Learn more about the special 10-year anniversary screenings at:www.The46ersFilm.comFollow Along on Instagram & Facebook:@46of46podcast@jamesappleton46Join the next GREAT RANGE ATHLETE 6-week challenge and get...
2025-05-301h 12The 46 of 46 Podcast193.) The Trailheads of the Adirondack 46This week I'm diving into to discuss every trailhead you'll use to climb the 46 Adirondack High Peaks and give you all the pertinent info you'll want to know so you get a parking spot along with what mountains you'll hike from what trailhead.Follow Along on Instagram & Facebook:@46of46podcast@jamesappleton46Join the next GREAT RANGE ATHLETE 6-week challenge and get in mountain-hiking shape in just 6 weeks from your local gym or your house. Learn more about the Great Range Athlete Team Program HEREL...
2025-05-1638 minThe 46 of 46 Podcast192.) Adirondack Hiking Challenges for Mud SeasonAs spring arrives in the Adirondacks, the High Peaks enter mud season—a time when trails above 2,500 feet become saturated and vulnerable. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) advises hikers to avoid these trails to prevent erosion and protect fragile ecosystems. But that doesn't mean your hiking adventures have to pause!In this episode, we'll explore a variety of lower-elevation hiking challenges perfect for this season. From the Lake Placid 9'er to the Fire Tower Challenge, discover new trails, earn badges, and enjoy the beauty of the Adirondacks responsibly. Hiking Challenges Covered:...
2025-05-0237 minThe 46 of 46 Podcast191.) Summit Sessions #69: Team USA Bobsled and Living in the ADK with Adrian AdamsThis week on the Summit Sessions Team USA Bobsledder Adrian Adams joins me to talk al about the life of a Team USA bobsled athlete and living in Lake Placid full time as he pursues his Olympic dream.If you've ever wondered what it's like being a winter sports athlete who trains at all of these winter sports facilities in Lake Placid, this is the episode for you!Coonnect with Adrian on Instagram: @adrianadamsusaFollow Along on Instagram & Facebook:@46of46podcast@jamesappleton46Get my books:1.) The Adirondack 46 in 18 Hikes...
2025-04-1853 minThe 46 of 46 Podcast190.) The 10 Essentials to Carry in Your Backpack...and Most Important EssentialIn this episode I'lll go through the 10 essentials every hiker should have in their backpack and throw in a few bonus essentials for good measure at the end. Follow Along on Instagram & Facebook:@46of46podcast@jamesappleton46Get my books:1.) The Adirondack 46 in 18 Hikes: The Complete Guide to Hiking the High Peaks 2.) Adirondack Campfire Stories: Tales and Folklore from Inside the Blue LineJoin the next GREAT RANGE ATHLETE 6-week challenge and get in mountain-hiking shape in just 6 weeks from your lo...
2025-04-1114 minThe 46 of 46 Podcast189.) Summit Sessions #68: The Great Range Athlete "PHELPS Team"This is the story of the Great Range Athlete PHELPS Team. A group of 21 hikers who came together with the same goals: to impriove their physical fitness for their hiking adventures.This team stretched from Vermont to Washington state, and from Tennesee to Ontario. At the end of their 6-week training program we got together in the Adirondack High Peaks for a group hike up Phelps Mountain.Here's their story.Follow on Instagram & Facebook:@46of46podcast@jamesappleton46Get my books:1.) The Adirondack 46 in 18 Hikes: The Complete...
2025-03-2144 minThe 46 of 46 Podcast188.) Summit Sessions #67: Building Bulletproof Knees for Hiking with Dr John KahlIn this Summit Session I'll speak with ACL-specialist Dr John Kahl who will give us a masterclass on knee pain for hiking and how to fix them so you don't have to let achey knees stop you from your mountain adventures.If you need help getting your knees stronger and more resilient for the trail, book a call with Dr Kahl to see if his online knee rehab program is right for you.You can find him on instagram @acl.rxFollow on Instagram & Facebook:@46of46podcast@jamesappleton46
2025-03-1454 minThe 46 of 46 Podcast187.) Adirondack Pioneers: Noah John Rondeau the Hermit of the AdirondacksDeep in the Adirondack wilderness, beyond the reach of roads and civilization, lived a man who became a legend—Noah John Rondeau, the Hermit of Cold River. For nearly 40 years, he lived completely off the land, building his own village, decoding his thoughts in mysterious journals, and welcoming the occasional visitor to his remote paradise.But what drove Rondeau to leave society behind? How did he survive in one of the most rugged parts of the Adirondacks? And how did he go from a true recluse to an Adirondack icon?In this episode, we take you deep into th...
2025-03-0712 minThe 46 of 46 Podcast186.) The Adirondack 46 in 18 Hikes: The Complete Guide to Hiking the High PeaksThe week is finally here—my new book, The Adirondack 46 in 18 Hikes: A Complete Guide to Hiking the High Peaks, is officially out!This isn’t just a hiking guide; it’s a blueprint for adventure, a resource to help you plan, prepare, and experience the Adirondack High Peaks the way they were meant to be explored.In this episode, I take you inside the book, reading excerpts and sharing my personal journey from my first Adirondack peak to my 46th. Whether you’re just starting your High Peaks journey or you’re well on your way to bec...
2025-02-2831 min