Backpacker Radio's Origin Story, Evolution, and Behind the Scenes with Zach and Chaunce (BPR #360)

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are bringing you the rare Chaunce and Zach solo pod.

In this one, we tell the full origin story of Backpacker Radio, from the unofficial co-host audition at a hiker meetup, to Chaunce showing up at the wrong restaurant on day one, to almost not making it past the early episodes. We get into how our interviewing dynamic has evolved over eight years, the technical disasters of the early days, the team that quietly makes this whole thing work, our all-time favorite guests, the ones we never aired, the dream guests we still haven't landed, and answer a slew of listener questions.

We wrap the show with a triple crown of worst ways to die, share the news that apparently Roundup is being sprayed in our national forests, opine on whether we'd rather give up sauces or kissing (and debate whether butter is a sauce), and give an overview on how to negotiate a thru-hiking sabbatical from your employer.

Topo Athletic: Use code "TREK15TOPO" at topoathletic.com.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKERRADIO" for $20 off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com.

OnX Backcountry: Use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com

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Interview with Chaunce

Time stamps & Questions

00:06:15 - Reminders: Support Akuna during his recovery, join us for Chaunce's live podcast sendoff, submit your favorite Chaunce moments or a voicemail for Chaunce, apply to be a co-host, check out our new merch, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:15:05 - Introducing Chaunce

00:17:10 - What was Zach's initial idea for the podcast and how you decided you wanted a co-host?

00:25:42 - What were your first impressions of each other

00:27:48 - What were your expectations for the podcast's longevity and success?

00:34:20 - Did you discuss the style of the podcast and interview format you wanted?

00:39:43 - How has your co-interviewing strategy changed over the years?

00:59:25 - How are guests chosen for the show?

01:09:58 - What are some surprising things you've learned about making the podcast?

01:19:13 - How many interviews or segments have had to be cut?

01:24:18 - How long did it take to get over saying something dumb on air?

01:32:46 - How has the other person changed since episode one?

01:35:49 - What phrases or habits have you picked up from each other?

01:36:31 - How is the Mile by Mile project going?

01:45:45 - How have you balanced full-time work with hiking and the podcast?

01:53:18 - Were there any episodes where you were sick or physically unwell?

01:59:44 - Discussion about listener & Instagram questions

02:00:28 - How do you manage a friendship while working together?

02:02:43 - If you could go back to the beginning, what advice would you give yourselves?

02:13:27 - Discussion about highest highs and lowest lows from the podcast

02:20:23 - What are a few all-time favorite guests?

02:26:32 - Which guest were you most nervous to interview?

02:28:53 - What were your "I love my job" moments from the show?

02:31:51 - What will you miss most about interviewing together?

02:35:51 - Discussion about podcast segments that lived and died

02:39:23 - What are the remaining dream guests you haven't landed yet?

02:48:00 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance enhancing or backpacking hack?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: Roundup Is Being Sprayed in National Forests. Here's What PCT Hikers Should Know by Kelly Floro

QOTD: Would you rather give up sauces or kissing?

Triple Crown of Ways NOT to die

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

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