On today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we’re joined by Jonathon Stalls. Jonathon is a very interesting character who, in 2010, in search of meaning and healing, decided to travel the country on foot. We learn all about this transformative journey, some of the notable stories along the way including instances of unexpected kindness from strangers, his alter ego of Cate Blanchett blazing through the desert, how he was able to finance this trip, an epic. poop story, how that expedition turned into his book “WALK: Slow Down, Wake Up, and Connect at 1-3 Miles Per Hour.” and its current advocacy work to make urban spaces more pedestrian-friendly. This is a deep and honest conversation – and we would like to warn listeners that the following interview touches on discussions of suicide.
We end the show with a triple crown of TV shows and movies we’ve watched recently, a brief comparison between the Colorado Trail and the John Muir Trail, and one stupidest thing of the week: Zach is losing his mind due to lack of sleep. .
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Interview with Jonathan Stalls
Timestamps and questions
00:03:53 – If you can only go to one hamburger restaurant in Colorado for the rest of your life, where do you go?
00:05:22 – Reminders: If you have a good pooping history, submit it here. We are now accepting 2024 blogger applications for The Trek. Apply today!
00:09:05 – Presentation of the Jonathon stands
00:10:15 – Tell us about your father playing in the NFL
00:13:00 – Are you a football fan today?
00:13:58 – Would Zach let his boys play football?
00:15:06 – What was your sporting journey?
00:16:58 – How did you get into beach volleyball?
00:20:23 – What part of your life was depicted in the movie Point Break?
00:20:40 – Where does walking come into play?
00:26:31 – What gave rise to this new approach to life in Ireland?
00:29:30 – What was your reaction to what you learned in Ireland?
00:34:57 – How did your mother react to you coming out?
00:37:23 – How should others approach the conversation?
00:40:45 – Did you know that nature heals you before this hike?
00:42:12 – Tell us how to get off the American Discovery Trail
00:46:37 – Did you have to repay the financing?
00:47:30 – Do they give you feedback on the businesses you help?
00:49:42 – How did you choose your hiking route?
00:55:28 – Let’s hear a poop story!
01:06:40 – How did you balance the desire to be in nature with the desire to engage with communities?
01:10:25 – Have you also found healing in interaction with others?
01:12:37 – Explain the practices you used to find kinship with nature
01:16:20 – Do you have a favorite tree?
01:19:29 – Do you want to reinvent yourself on a long trail?
01:23:25 – Do you find it frustrating to see the direction society is going today?
01:26:13 – What are the victories you have witnessed in your work?
01:29:42 – What parts of Denver are most walkable?
01:33:29 – Have you walked the entire length of Colfax?
01:34:30 – Tell us about “Walk to Connect” and “Walking Leaders”
01:38:37 – Was there a section of trail that wasn’t pleasant?
01:45:23 – Do you have a specific term for your cross-country trek?
01:45:55 – Was there a specific moment when you felt like you were healing during your journey?
01:48:38 – Is there anything about the trip or the book that you would like to convey to listeners?
01:50:32 – What do we need to know about pedestrian dignity?
01:52:54 – Zach Anner and the quest for the rainbow bagel
01:57:00 – Impact of TikTok
01:59:00 – Recap: Where to find Jonathon’s Stands
Segments
Trek Propaganda: The Colorado Trail vs. the John Muir Trail: Which Trail is Better? By Katie Jackson
Thing of the week
Triple Crown of shows/movies you’ve watched recently
5 star rating
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