Shows
Highwater Trek Co PodcastHighwater Trek Co Still Exists!Hello? Is there anybody in there? Just nod if you can hear us....
Sam and Katy are BACK to check in on our beloved trekkies (we hope you're still with us) and let you know that we're here, we're alive, we still exist.
Join us and our enthusiastic new co-host Luck Wilder (who couldn't quite figure out what to think of headphones and had much to contribute to the conversation) as we catch you up on what's been going on in our lives, and where we hope to go from here.
It has be...
2025-08-0741 minHighwater Trek Co PodcastThe Ozark Trail's Upper Current River SectionWe're here, it's November, and acorns are falling from the sky.
Join Katy and Sam as the talk about one of their favorite sections of the Ozark Trail: The Upper Current River Section.
We talk a bit about the history of this section, and the hard work that went into taking it from a seed of an idea to the rugged beauty of a route it is today. Big thank you to Kathie Brennan of the Ozark Trail Association for providing us these insights to share!
Walk with us mile by mile as we...
2024-11-081h 18
Highwater Trek Co PodcastOzark's Mountain Challenge: Mission Accomplished!Hello Mountain Lizards! Welcome to another episode of Highwater Trek Co's podcast, where we live to gab about all things outdoors and backpacking. Join our hosts as they reminisce on their experiences participating in the Ozark's Mountain Challenge, a 17 mile, all-ascent trail event that takes place in Sam A. Baker State Park in the beautiful hills of Southern Missouri. Participants had twelve hours to summit Mudlick Mountain 9 times, totaling 7980 feet, the equivalent of climbing Mt. Olympus.
The inaugural occasion brought together folks from all different walks of life with the sole mission to challenge oneself and to b...
2024-09-1939 minHighwater Trek Co PodcastCamino de Santiago: The Frances, The Portuguese, & The Variante EspiritualHello Trekkies, our old friends! We've come to talk at you again....
Grab your passports and pack your bags with all your TSA approved items, because we're off to the Camino de Santiago!
Join Sam, Katy, and longtime friend of the show, creaky farm table, who had a lot to creak about in today's episode. We tried to edit out some creaks, but farm table refuses to be silenced, and who are we to censor our four-legged friend?
We're back from our hiatus (we missed you!) to tackle the rundown of Katy's 2023 experience...
2024-08-082h 42Highwater Trek Co Podcast21ish Questions for KatyTeam Struggles is THE VIBE for this episode.
Disclaimer: our precious Michael got lost in the woods without his ten essentials, so he was unable to join us for recording, and the audio is not what it usually is. We did our best, but this one is probably better suited for headphones than car speakers. Just settle in, our dears, and visualize that you have called us to chat, and the connection is questionable, but our dazzling personalities keep you on that crackly line.
Katy is in the hot seat today as Sam asks 21...or ma...
2024-04-181h 04Highwater Trek Co PodcastOzark Mountain Challenge: Training for Mudlick Mountain 2024Highwater Trek Co is on a mission! Join us for today's episode as we are preparing for 9 ascents up Mudlick Mountain in the upcoming Ozark Mountain Challenge, taking place May 4th in Missouri's own Sam A. Baker State Park. Our hosts describe their individual training approaches to the almost 8000 foot climb, and discuss the work required to feel ready to conquer those 17 uphill miles. We also share our excitement for the wonderful energy and connections sure to be found at the challenge itself!
Check out the Ozark Mountain Challenge HERE
Our Active April Spring Challenge ha...
2024-04-0554 minHighwater Trek Co PodcastActive April 2024 Spring Hiking ChallengeTeam Struggles is back to tell you all about our Spring Challenge for 2024: Active April!
Join Sam, Katy, and a very hungry dog who hasn't learned to chew with her mouth closed for this shortie episode. It's chock-full of giggles and nonsense before we finally get to the point--which is to tell you all about the Active April Challenge and the reasons behind the challenge being crafted in the way it is.
Starting April 1st (no fools), we'll be challenging ourselves AND YOU to 150 minutes of moderate-intensity hiking (or preferred activity) per WEEK. That's only a...
2024-03-2131 minHighwater Trek Co Podcast21 Questions for SamWelcome to the Highwater Trek Co podcast, where our hosts discuss all things backpacking plus more! Get to know the humans behind Highwater in today's episode, as Katy asks Sam 21 random questions related to hiking, and offers her own replies in return. Join us for this easy going episode as we consider our preferences and contemplate pet peeves pertaining to time spent on trail. And somehow along with footcare advice and satisfying trail snack ideas, we reveal glimpses of hopes and plans for the future. Do we get off topic and ramble at times? Yes. Has Sam already changed...
2024-03-071h 17Highwater Trek Co PodcastWe're Back, TrekkiesSam and Katy are back in the hot seats.
Yes, actual hot seats as the sun pours through the windows on an unseasonably warm February day, sweating away as we dust Michael off and try to remember how to record a podcast. It's been a hot minute. And that is the last of the heat jokes.
Join us as we talk about where we've been, what we've been doing, why we aren't the same people, and what some of our hopes are for the future of this podcast and beyond!
We have grown...
2024-02-2255 minHighwater Trek Co PodcastWe’re Taking a BreakMy, what a lovely day…
The windows are open and the skies are noisy.
Join us, (Sam and Katy, in case you’re new here) at the creaky farm table once again for a chat about what we have going on in our lives and why…
We’re taking a break!
The wind joins us with gusto, a helicopter with no chill eavesdrops, and a new cat friend is eager to show off her bell ringing skills and voice occasional opinions.
Sam talks about her upcoming classes as she embarks...
2023-08-1752 minHighwater Trek Co PodcastHydrationWelcome back Highwater Trekkies! It is once again time for a brand spankin' new episode. Join our hosts as they take a deep dive into the topic of hydration, and how to utilize beverages to best serve us as we adventure on trail and beyond. Tune in as Katy gives us an education about our own bodies' biological mechanisms that play a role in hydration, and how osmoality runs the show. Sam gives us the scoop on which beverages and foods are the most hydrating, with some surprising results. Our hosts also discuss the individual variables that affect hydration...
2023-08-041h 55Highwater Trek Co PodcastTrailments: Dehydration and Heat IllnessWelcome Back Trekkies!
Take off your boots and stretch your toes, because we're back with our second installment of our Trailments Series!
Join Sam, Katy, a creaky table, some aggressively rolly chairs, and the a/c that refused to be silenced by noise reduction techniques as we discuss dehydration and heat illness: just in time for the dog days of summer.
Grab your water bottle and settle in for the crowning achievement of Katy's life--the opportunity to ramble about dehydration. We get an overview of what it is, what's happening inside our bodies w...
2023-07-201h 20Highwater Trek Co PodcastSocial Media vs RealitySummertime is in full swing here in the Ozarks, and the swelter is our companion on today's episode as we tackle the at-times contentious topic of how backpacking and nature are represented on social media. We ponder if backpacking is accurately portrayed, and does social media lead to unrealistic expectations? Do content creators bear any responsibility to be transparent or to educate? We dive into the implications of modern nature photography, and the possible resulting effects of different photographic approaches. We also discuss the immense growth of the hiking hobby, and consider the consequential commercialization amongst other outcomes.
2023-07-061h 26Highwater Trek Co PodcastPost Trail BluesTeam Giggles is back to tackle a not-so-giggly subject: Post Trail Depression.
We've all been there--wrapping up a backpacking trip riding an adventure high, only to descend into melancholy after returning home. Join us as we explore where this phenomenon potentially comes from and ways we can try to cope with the often tough transition from trail life back to "real life".
We talk about the parallels between Post Trail Blues, Post Race Blues, and Post Adrenalin blues, shamelessly fangirl over Dr. Anne K. Baker and her impressive research on this subject, and are joined...
2023-06-2259 minHighwater Trek Co PodcastTrailments: Infections and AllergensWelcome back Trekkies! Join Team Giggles (and an abundance of song birds) for some front porch sittin' as they discuss physical ailments that can put a damper on your trail time, and can even result in dangerous outcomes.
Katy dives into the immune's lymphatic system, and explains the biological processes behind infection. Tune in to hear the scoop on how to prevent and treat infections while out in the wilderness, as well as Katy's disdain for the word "Pus." Sam discusses the best ways to fend off allergens on trail, and how to cope with allergic reactions w...
2023-06-081h 29Highwater Trek Co PodcastLooking Back on 20 Episodes20 Episodes, WHAAAAT?
Highwater Trek Co's 20th Episode has come and gone.
Join us as we look back over the last 20 episodes and reflect on all we've learned, things we wish we'd done differently, and our hopes for the future!
We (and the creaky farm table) converse about our desire to be more naturally--conversational, our biggest challenges, having the confidence to own this space and do less self-censoring, our favorite and least favorite episodes, the things we are proud of, and the things we hope to improve moving forward.
A special thanks to...
2023-05-251h 06Highwater Trek Co PodcastLessons Learned, Pieces of Advice, & Grains of SaltWelcome back to Highwater Trek Co's podcast, where we discuss all things hiking!
As recounted in today's episode, Katy recently had the experience of leading backpacking novices through a tough Ozark section of trail. Her adventure led our hosts to ponder what they believe to be the most important advice for beginners, and the lesson learning required of them to reach these conclusions.
Tune in to hear Team Giggles discuss honoring your body, keeping expectations in check, and leaving room for the unknown while backpacking. Our hosts also offer practical advice for keeping your feet...
2023-05-121h 14Highwater Trek Co PodcastSolo Section Hike on the Ouachita TrailWelcome back, Highwater Trekkies!
Buckle up and settle in friends, for Katy's chaotic and "like"-riddled account of her first solo section hike.
Katy chronicles in rambling and unfocused detail, what went into planning her first solo section hike and her first backpacking trip with her dog in tow, why she chose the Ouachita, and how it all went.
Follow along as she hikes in the wrong direction, meets Mustache, questions whether or not she actually died the first night, seriously overthinks an interaction with a fellow hiker following a mildly-stressful river crossing, a...
2023-04-271h 39Highwater Trek Co PodcastWater, Ticks, Snakes, and Bears, Oh My!Welcome to the latest episode of the Highwater Trek Co podcast! In today's episode, our hosts will discuss some common hazards one may encounter on an Ozarks trail in the springtime and year round. Join in as the conversation starts with water crossing safety, and continues as we discuss several critters that bite.
Sam gives us the scoop on our slithery snake friends, and discusses tips to navigate water crossings safely. Katy serves the lowdown on the most disliked critter to be found in the Ozarks: Ticks. Though these creepers may strike fear into our hearts, Katy...
2023-04-131h 49Highwater Trek Co PodcastTrail EtiquetteHighwater Trek Co's Sam and Katy are back to talk trail etiquette, do's and don't's, the principles of Leave No Trace, and how to avoid being dubbed the trail nincompoop.
Have you ever wondered how not to be a dipsh*t on trail? Well set your fears of ineptitude aside and open your ears, because we did some digging, and we're here to share what we found! Join us as we talk about trail right-of-ways, advocating for your pet, proper primitive pooping, and how to be a considerate human being in the backcountry.
If in...
2023-03-231h 03Highwater Trek Co PodcastEarly Spring Stop InHappy March Trekkies! Join us for our newest episode as we welcome the emerging salutations of Spring; including frogs and flowers, ticks and skunks. We discuss early spring conditions in the Ozarks that may require consideration before hitting the trails. We also discuss upcoming, hiking related events that are happening in our area.
Plus, tune in to hear easy foraging tips for finding delicious wild foods in the earliest days of an Ozark Spring!
Follow us on:
Instagram @highwatertrekco
Facebook @highwatertrekco
Send your questions, comments, suggestions, stories, love letters, or...
2023-03-1042 minHighwater Trek Co PodcastNature and Mental HealthSam and Katy are back from a much-needed break to tackle the tough subject of mental health, and the positive impact that actively engaging with nature can have.
TW: Mental health, suicide
Join us as we explore the connection between wild spaces and mental wellness in general as well as the benefits more specific to hiking and backpacking. We discuss the long history behind the idea that nature holds health benefits, unravel some scientific theories, explore nature as a sensory experience, share some personal anecdotes, and present the science for your consideration....
2023-02-231h 31Highwater Trek Co PodcastThe Georgia Section: The Good, Bad, and the ClammyJoin Katy and Sam as they reflect upon their section hike of the southernmost miles of the Appalachian Trail. Team Giggles reminisce about their favorite moments and most difficult challenges as they traversed the trail through Georgia and into North Carolina.
Tune in to hear how our hosts found liberation from expectations in the woods of the Blue Ridge, and how inspirational they found the magic and kinship of trail community to be. Our duo also discuss their preparation processes, favorite campsites, and one the most important aspects of any backpacking trip: Food!
An honest r...
2023-02-022h 16Highwater Trek Co PodcastNew Year New GearIs this lethargy, or relaxation?
Sam and Katy kick off their first episode of the New Year with a mini road trip.
Heigh-Ho, Heigh-Ho, it's off to hike we go... Our quest takes us down a forest service road of dubious condition, down a lovely stretch of the Ozark Trail, and lands us right next to the Current River.
We talk about our new venture of trail adoption and the evolution of our gear as we continue to grow and adapt as backpackers.
A pack of hunting dogs serenades us, and...
2023-01-121h 08Highwater Trek Co PodcastCold Weather SafetyGreetings Highwater Trekkies! Welcome to the Highwater Trek Co podcast, where we discuss all things backpacking and hiking. In today's episode, our hosts discuss dealing with cold weather and stress the importance of the Triple P (Proper Prior Preparation.)
Tune in for tips and tricks to keep you comfy, cozy, and most importantly safe as you play in the frigid outdoors.
Happy New Year to our dear listeners!
Instagram @highwatertrekco
Facebook @highwatertrekco
Send your questions, comments, suggestions, stories, love letters, or hate mail to:
highwatertrekco@gmail.com
The...
2022-12-291h 10Highwater Trek Co PodcastThe Ozark TrailThe weather has been mush, and our brains are mush too. The wind is playing games and a joyriding airplane runs amok; flies amok? Amok, amok, amok.
Team Giggles struggled a bit to make it out the gate, but the 5th time's a charm. Join us for a conversation about the Ozark Trail, the Ozark Trail Association, volunteer work, and how you can get involved.
This incredible trail is a testament to the power of singular minds, dedicated hands, and the united vision of multiple organizations and individuals. It is truly an Ozark gem, and...
2022-12-1541 minHighwater Trek Co PodcastGratitude and GoalsJoin our hosts as they once again flail throughout the episode introduction, eventually focusing conversation on reflections of gratitude and intentions for the future.
As we transition into winter and the holiday season, Highwater Trek Co reminisces about defining experiences that we are most grateful for. We also dream of the future; discussing goals closest on the horizon, and how we plan to achieve them.
We here at Highwater Trek Co hope that this changing season brings you much to be grateful for. We are eternally thankful for you, dear listeners.
Follow us o...
2022-12-011h 30Highwater Trek Co PodcastWe’re Back!Team Giggles is back! It's a chatty one, folks, so strap in and grab a delicious beverage.
The lethargy is real, the breeze is blowing and the dogs are disruptive as we reconnect after a pretty long absence from each other, and our first hiatus from the show.
Sam talks about getting vertical and conquering a new challenge through an exciting new program in Missouri.
Katy yammers about river time and otters.
Feeling bored? Make it a drinking game!
Take a shot every time you hear Katy say "it's...
2022-11-171h 15Highwater Trek Co PodcastTaum Sauk Part 2We were seeking redemption, and perhaps even revenge. Instead, the mountain Taum Sauk'd it to us.
Join hosts Katy and Sam for part 2 of the Taum Sauk saga as they recall their recent backpacking adventure through this 35 mile section of the Ozark Trail.
Battling heat, spiders, brush, rashes, burrs, chafing, gnats, little water, and a plethora of rocks, Team Giggles faced down both physical and mental obstacles to once again complete the section.
Lessons were learned; some the hard way.
And while the trail and conditions were difficult, the beauty of th...
2022-10-201h 38Highwater Trek Co PodcastTaum Sauk Part 1: The OG ExperienceSam and Katy recount the infamous OG experience with the Taum Sauk section of the Ozark Trail.
Join us as we revisit suppressed memories of our encounter with the time vortex in evil fae land, rocks, coldness & cruel dreams, rocks, night-hiking, rocks, teeth-clenching river crossings, rocks, pain & exhaustion, rocks, the unfortunate consequences of other hikers leaving a trace, gorges of rocks, and our slow descent into madness.
Oh, and did we mention, rocks?
This was our very first backpacking trip together, and although it went awry...in just about every way it possibly c...
2022-10-0657 minHighwater Trek Co PodcastBodies On TrailJoin our hosts as they discuss bodies on trail. No, this episode is not a true crime story, but rather a conversation about how Katy and Sam like to care for their bodies before, during, and after a trail experience. Tune in as they also share how backpacking can help cultivate appreciation and admiration for one's own physical form.
Follow us on:
Instagram @highwatertrekco
Facebook @highwatertrekco
Send us any questions or comments!
highwatertrekco@gmail.com
Theme song "Ozark Stomp" by Peter J. Lehman. Follow him on Instagram:...
2022-09-221h 34Highwater Trek Co PodcastFood: A Love StorySam and Katy discuss the greatest love story of all time; the epic connection between a backpacker and their food.
Katy may or may not have had her mic operating correctly, but her allergies certainly showed up for this episode, as did Sam's undying passion for trail snacks, and what seems to be a whole fleet of the exact same truck driving past periodically.
But nothing could keep us from discussing one of our all-time favorite subjects, so we hope you'll join us as we share what we've learned about calories, hunger cues on trail...
2022-09-081h 41Highwater Trek Co PodcastThunder, Chats, & Wayward UmbrellasDISCLAIMER FOR PET OWNERS:
This episode was recorded outside with a thunderstorm rolling in, so if you have a pet who isn't a fan of thunder, you may want to pop some earbuds in for this one.
Team Giggles takes a break from information overload to sit down on the porch for a chat. Join us as we talk about imposter syndrome, snakebites, and personal goals, listen to the thunder roll in and struggle to subdue a rebellious umbrella.
Follow us on:
Instagram @highwatertrekco
Facebook @highwatertrekco
Or se...
2022-08-251h 20Highwater Trek Co PodcastThe Gear EpisodeJoin our hosts as they discuss the gear essential for most backpackers, share what exactly can be found in their beloved packs, and fend off multiple attacking insects in the simmering Ozark heat.
Follow us on Instagram @highwatertrekco and Facebook @highwatertrekco, or send us a line at highwatertrekco@gmail.com
Theme song "Ozark Stomp" by Peter J. Lehman. Follow him on Instagram @peterjlehmanmusic
Samantha’s Gear List
Katy’s Gear List
Navigation Apps:
AllTrails
FarOut
Gaia
Visit the...
2022-08-111h 54Highwater Trek Co PodcastIt’s a Red Wine & Jack’s Fork River ChatHighwater Trek Co's Sam and Katy float and camp their way down the Jack's Fork River in this Bonus Episode!
Join us at a very special but also secret campsite as we process some epiphanies, make fun of ourselves, and ramble-chat over some box wine under some stellar stars...pun intended. We talk about backpacking, floating, enjoying the variation of what different seasons have to offer us nature junkies...and much more.
Also enjoy our exhausted morning serenades, featuring such camp classics as "Can You Hear the Bacon Frying" by Sam and "I Believe I...
2022-08-0458 minHighwater Trek Co PodcastGetting StartedJoin Highwater Trek Co's Sam and Katy as they delve into the process of preparing for a backpacking trip! This episode guides beginners through the initial planning stages of backpacking, and discusses important considerations that ultimately affect the quality of a trail experience.
Follow us on Instagram @highwatertrekco and Facebook @highwatertrekco, or send us a line at highwatertrekco@gmail.com
Theme song "Ozark Stomp" by Peter J. Lehman. Follow him on Instagram @peterjlehmanmusic
Visit the Ozark Trail Association at:
https://ozarktrail.com/
You can find the Ozark Trail...
2022-07-2849 minHighwater Trek Co PodcastMeet Team GigglesHighwater Trek Co's Sam and Katy live up to their collective trail name Team Giggles in this debut episode. Bear with us as we introduce ourselves, talk about our shared love of nature and outdoor adventures, and make some audio blunders along the way.
Follow us on Instagram @highwatertrekco and Facebook @highwatertrekco, or send us a line at highwatertrekco@gmail.com
Theme song "Ozark Stomp" by Peter J. Lehman. Follow him on Instagram @peterjlehmanmusic
2022-07-1435 min