Dominick Menard is an endurance cyclist, adventurer, and content creator known for his remarkable long-distance bikepacking journeys, including cycling from Victoria to Patagonia and from Vancouver to Montreal. With a background in mountain biking and downhill racing, Dominick has seamlessly transitioned into endurance cycling, pushing his physical and mental limits while capturing stunning moments through photography, video, and storytelling. His adventures explore the transformative power...

Beau Miles is an Australian adventurer, filmmaker, author, and former outdoor education lecturer known for his unique blend of outdoor exploration and storytelling. With a background in sea kayaking and long-range expeditions, Beau has traveled the world, tackling extreme challenges and documenting them through engaging films and books. Over time, he has shifted from large-scale, death-defying adventures to more local, meaningful "backyard" explorations, often filled with humor and insightful...

Ryan Van Duzer is an adventure storyteller, cyclist, and YouTube creator known for his infectious energy and passion for exploring the world by bike. With a background in broadcast journalism and a stint in the Peace Corps, Ryan's journey began when he rode his bike from Honduras to Boulder, Colorado, sparking a lifelong love for epic cycling trips. Over the years, he has inspired countless people to get outside and experience the world through his YouTube channel, where he shares his...

Charlie Walker is a British adventurer and author known for his extensive self-initiated journeys, including cycling across vast regions such as Africa, Asia, and Europe. His travels, often on a modest budget, emphasize exploration over speed, favoring slow, immersive experiences in remote and challenging environments. Charlie's adventures have spanned continents and included paddling through crocodile-infested rivers, skiing across Russia, and climbing unclimbed peaks. He is also an...

Mad Marks Van Life is a seasoned van dweller who has spent years traveling across the UK and beyond, embracing a minimalist lifestyle that prioritizes freedom and self-sufficiency. He is deeply critical of societal systems, including the education system and media, and advocates for critical thinking and breaking away from mainstream narratives. Mark believes in the power of nature, community, and living intentionally, and shares his unique insights on how modern society has lost touch with...

Andrea Hiott, currently residing in Utrecht, Netherlands, is a dynamic thinker whose life and studies span both the United States and Europe. With advanced degrees in philosophy and neuroscience, her work focuses on the intricate relationships between mind, movement, and theoretical neuroscience. Her work explores how physical experiences and movements through the world shape mental and emotional states. Andrea hosts a podcast titled "Love and Philosophy," where she has philosophical and...

Mathew Ryder is an avid outdoor enthusiast and YouTuber based in Ipswich, UK. Initially a sedentary smoker, Mathew transformed his life at 40, quitting smoking and embracing hiking and bikepacking. He completed the Appalachian Trail in 2019 and later the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, documenting his journeys on his YouTube channel. Mathew, who works as a support worker for people with learning disabilities, balances his job with his passion for adventure. His channel, co-managed with his...

Jason is an avid outdoorsman and content creator in the UK who balances family responsibilities with his passion for adventure. Despite facing challenges, Jason finds solace in nature, using it as a form of mental and emotional release. His flexible job allows him to plan and react to weather changes, enhancing his outdoor experiences. Jason's YouTube channel documents his explorations of remote spots, from the Yorkshire Dales to the Scottish Highlands, emphasizing both comfort and enjoyment....

Sean Conway is a renowned endurance athlete and author, celebrated for his extraordinary feats in ultra-endurance sports. With accomplishments like swimming the length of Britain, cycling around the world, and completing 105 iron-distance triathlons consecutively, Sean has cemented his place as a formidable figure in the endurance world. His adventures are driven by a relentless spirit and a desire to push the boundaries of human potential. Beyond his athletic prowess, Sean is a dedicated...

Matteo Pistono is an author, teacher, and explorer based in Encinitas, California. His journey began over 30 years ago in Nepal and Tibet, where he studied yoga, meditation, and the use of breath for concentration and relaxation. Matteo's approach to breathwork emphasizes the importance of nasal and diaphragmatic breathing, advocating for a practice that integrates seamlessly into daily life. His book, "Breathe How You Want to Feel," provides practical tools for managing stress and enhancing...

Sheelagh Daly is a passionate adventurer and storyteller based in Toronto. Growing up in North York, she has always been connected to her Scottish heritage, which inspired her first major bike tour around Scotland. Sheelagh transitioned from working as a nutritionist to becoming a dedicated bike tourer and YouTube content creator. With a background in theater, she skillfully combines her love for performance and travel in her engaging videos. She shares her adventures, from local trips around...

Mark Lewis is a YouTuber and fitness enthusiast known for his inspiring fitness journeys and compelling storytelling. He started gaining attention for his unique approach to fitness content, where he combines physical challenges with engaging narratives. Mark had a transformative experience in his early 40s when he traveled to Africa, which rejuvenated his outlook on life. This journey made him realize that age is just a number and he could still achieve great things. He has a background...

Lauren Roerick, also known in the thru-hiking community as "Longway," is a seasoned thru-hiker and adventurer who has made a name for herself by tackling some of the most challenging trails around the globe. Originally from Alberta, Canada, and now semi-based out of Vancouver when not living out of her backpack, Lauren’s journey into long-distance hiking began somewhat later in life but has grown into a deep-seated passion. Since 2019, Lauren has transformed from a newcomer to backpacking...

Steven Smith is the founder of MyLifeOutdoors, a popular YouTube channel and blog dedicated to outdoor adventures. Growing up in Texas, Steven's love for the wilderness began with family camping trips and evolved into a passion for kayaking, backcountry camping, rock climbing, and backpacking. He focuses on ultralight backpacking and gear testing, sharing his knowledge through engaging videos and reviews. Now, as he prepares to move to Colorado, Steven continues to inspire others to explore...

Jack Cornish is an expert in the history and preservation of England and Wales' extensive network of paths. As the head of paths at the Ramblers, a prominent walking charity, and the author of "The Lost Paths: A History of How We Walk From Here To There," Jack has dedicated his career to exploring and safeguarding the intricate web of ancient routes that connect and define the British landscape. His work focuses on the importance of preserving these paths as a link to our past and a guide for...

In this episode of the Trailmark Podcast, Simon Brown and I discuss the connections between our actions, our ethics, and our inner peace. We talk about the importance of nature in achieving balance and rebirth, the role of embodiment in enhancing our perception of reality, and the challenges of moving beyond ego-centric thinking. We also explore the profound concepts of non-duality and free will, share our thoughts on the impact of psychedelics on personal growth, and contemplate the idea of...

Join Glen Van Peski, founder of Gossamer Gear, as he shares his extensive experience and personal journey into the world of ultralight backpacking. In this weeks episode of the Trailmark Podcast, Glen discusses the delicate balance between comfort and durability in ultralight gear design, and delves into the mindset that drives adventurers to lighten their loads. (04:11) The Beginnings of Ultralight Backpacking (22:59) Preserving Quality and Comfort (39:49) Gaining Perspective (50:21)...

Dominick Menard shares his unique journey from the competitive mountain biking circuits of Canada to a life on the road, encapsulating his shift from fast-paced races to the exploratory freedom of van life. Through his initiative, Bon Velo, Dominick channels his passion for cycling into adventurous pursuits beyond traditional boundaries. Opting for van life, he not only embraced a simpler way of living but also learned to navigate challenges with resilience. His ambitious bike tour from...

Krysta Norwick, a physical therapist who loves long-distance hiking, opens up about her adventures on trails like the Great Divide, Croatian Long Distance, and the Pacific Crest Trail. She intertwines her professional knowledge with her hiking experiences, offering advice on self-treatment and adapting to challenging hikes gradually. Krysta shares the unique experiences of hiking solo versus with a partner and the diverse landscapes she's encountered. Krysta further discusses the return to...

Eco Trail Builders' founders, Hap and Andrea, discuss their dedication to sustainable trail construction and eco-lodge management in the wilderness. They emphasize environmental stewardship, the integration of eco-friendly practices in their work and personal projects, and the balance of nature with professional life. As pioneers in eco-conscious development, they highlight their collaborative efforts with conservation groups, offer advice to aspiring trail builders, and share their future...

In this week's episode, we dive into Jeff McMurtrie's captivating journey into the world of mapmaking, with a focus on Ontario's Algonquin Park. Jeff recounts his early experiences in the park that ignited his passion for creating maps. He delves into the unique aspects of custom maps compared to standard Google Maps, emphasizing their tailored features for outdoor enthusiasts. Jeff shares insights into his map-making process, from data collection to adding intricate details that enrich...

This weeks episode of the Trailmark Podcast covers topics such as representation in the outdoors, the importance of mental health and nature, paddleboarding adventures, camping and van life, exploring historical sites, and emphasizing African-American history. James shares personal experiences and motivations for starting his YouTube channel, as well as his passion for documenting and sharing historical explorations. The conversation highlights the significance of promoting diversity and...

Mad Mark shares his journey and experiences with van life. He explains how living in a van has improved his emotional well-being and provided him with an abundance of time. He discusses the cost comparison between van life and living in a house, highlighting the financial benefits of van life. Mark also delves into the concept of ownership and consumerism, emphasizing the freedom and joy that comes with a minimalist lifestyle. He shares his perspective on the system and the awakening of...

Jason reflects on navigating the UK's landscapes, tackling the quest for untamed wilderness, and contemplates the whims of weather on adventuring. With tales from the UK to Europe, particularly Scotland, he underscores the criticality of safety and savvy decision-making outdoors. Jason shares insights on responsible wild camping and advocates for the leave no trace philosophy. Storytelling's power to motivate outdoor exploration is a key theme, alongside his ambition to uncover hidden gems in...