Episode 40 of Humans of the Trail with Olie Wicks

In this episode of Humans of the Trail, we sit down with Andrew Terrell, a man who has an incredible story of self-discovery. Andrew walked from the Apennine Mountains in Southern Italy to Arctic Norway, a journey that took him over 7000 miles and two years. Along the way, Andrew faced many challenges, but he also learned a lot about himself. He le…

This week on Humans of the Trail I have Ali Pretty on the Podcast. I first learned about Ali through a friend of the Podcast Martyn Howe from Episode 1. Beach of Dreams is a visual art journey, community, storytelling and digital art project inspired by the challenges faced by communities who live on our coastlines. I was really keen to learn more …

In this episode of Humans of the Trail, we talk to Peter Elia, a freelance travel writer who specializes in long-distance walks. Peter has walked some of the lesser-known long-distance trails in the world, and he shares his experiences with us. We talk about why Peter enjoys lesser-known routes, how he slowly quit his job to become a freelance trav…

I'm a total sucker for discovering new brands and businesses in our outdoor space. So when I learned Highlander, an events business now has a Highlander Adventure in the Lake District I had to find out more about the brand and the people behind it. Thankfully Ariana, the Global Head of Communications at Highlander was happy to jump on the other end…

Dave Thomas started his career on the back of his love of fitness as he launched a personal training business, which spiraled into running a popular London gym chain called The Foundry. But it was Daves's love of the outdoors, and desire to step away from, his words repeatedly 'counting to 10', for his clients that eventually led to a life living i…

Where do I start... Barefoot Backpacker unpacks so much in this episode, from his backstory to traveling to the lesser known destinations around the globe, traveling as somebody who identifies as nonbinary and asexual, to of course long distance trails. This is a fantastic episode with a lot going on which I hope you enjoy listening to as much as I…

Julian is in my opinion an unsung hero of Trails, with his work dedicated to the betterment of our Trail networks. As the Board Member and Vice Chair of the World Trails Network, Chair of National Trails, and Director of the South West Coast Path Association he is a busy man and a fountain of Trail knowledge. Julian humbled me with his clarity and …

Join Davina Farrer in her journey of exploration and liberation as she shares stories from her backpacking trip around the world and her empowering hike on the South West Coast Path. Discover how Davina's intentional work choices have led to a life of time freedom and learn how you too can break free from the 9-5 grind and live a life of adventure …

In this week's episode of the Distance Hiker Podcast, we spoke with Emma, a coast walker who blogs about her journey on her site. Emma is currently on a journey to walk around the coast of the United Kingdom, with the goal of improving her mental health. During the conversation, Emma shared with us the various reasons why she decided to take on thi…

In this episode, I had the opportunity to sit down with Steph Wetherell, one of the co-founders of Every Body Outdoors. Steph is a trailblazer in the outdoor community, working to promote representation and accessibility for people of all sizes in the great outdoors. As we talked, Steph shared her personal journey of falling in love with the outdoo…

Dartmoor's a special place. Not just for the fact that it's the largest open moor in Southern England and home to various dark skies designated areas. Or that it's a beautiful tapestry of stone walls, tors and outcrops, woven with history, folklaw and some of the most rugged and beautiful uplands in the UK. It's also special because it also offers …

In Episode 29 of the Distance Hiker Podcast Matthew is joined by Stefan Durkacz and David Lintern, authors of the newly published Cicerone Press guidebook Scottish Wild Country Backpacking. Stefan and David share a bit of their background and interest in the outdoors before deep diving into the behind the scenes of making the guidebook, and backpac…

In this weeks episode I talk with Kerry, who is a YouTuber and long distance hiker from the channel Drunk On Wanderlust. We learn Kerrys story from global traveller to long distance hiker, and how she hasn’t looked back since.

In this episode, I chat with Andrew McCloy, who has recently written and published the Highlights of the England Coast Path book, in partnership with Cicerone Press. Andrew shares insight into behind the scenes of writing guidebooks including the work, and the dedication that goes into each publication.…

I've long thought that adventures with children need to be downsized, and have often fought against the grain of parenthood and the perceived restrictions on a once unrestricted life. No more selfless long trips away, or spending an evening out under the stars whenever you want to. Routines, schools, bum wiping, homework, and many more responsibili…

In today’s episode of The Distance Hiker Podcast, presented by Matthew Usherwood, we have Stephanie Killingbeck-Turner sharing her story on the LEJOG trail! Stephanie walked the trail, with a bit of a difference. Not only did she walk from one end of the UK to another, she also visited a number of environmental projects along the way. This conversa…

This week on the Distance Hiker Podcast I am joined by Daniel, and Charlotte. Dan and Charlotte are two coast walkers, who are living nomadic lives as they hike, and work their way around the coast of Britain. When I spoke with them, they were in their tent, set up for the night in the Shetland Islands. I was really curious to speak with Dan and Ch…

This week I am thrilled to have Charlie MacRae-Tod on the show. Charlie is a long distance hiker, who documented his walk along the End to End trail. He also has type 1 diabetes. We agreed to record together to discuss the challenges walking with diabetes presents. But we also wanted to build a narrative about our relationships with our bodies and …

In Episode 22 of the Distance Hiker Podcast I have the pleasure of speaking with Matthew King. Matthew is a seasoned backpacker, and artist, who shares his art and backpacking trips on Backpacking Artist. We chat about Matthews's story, from working in Financial Services to taking the leap and working for himself, freeing himself up to simply walk …

Retha Charette is a seasoned long distance hiker, writer, and educator, who, through her work aims to empower women to get outside. Retha blogs under the name, the Roaming Nanny, and goes by the trail name of Pikachu. We chat all about her walk on the AT, and some of the differences about hiking in the UK and abroad. We also talk at large about her…

In today's episode, I've got hiking YouTuber and videographer David McEntee joining me in the studio. David is by trade a videographer and content creator. He is a Wiz behind the camera and in my opinion, produces some of the best YouTube hiking content out there. David first came onto my radar back in 2020 when he published some really nice videos…

“BE AWESOME” A couple of years ago that 👆quote was being said everywhere Posters were being made It was a thing It was trendy to have stuff that SAID: be awesome. What does it even mean to BE AWESOME? Let’s make a list: Know who you are Show up big Do hard things Be on fire Create epic stuff Be willing to do scary ideas Not back down Stay positive …

WARRIOR WOMEN TIP: TAKE YOURSELF ON A DATE I spent the day at the: Mint Art Museum Walking around all by myself, looking at all the exhibits is my favorite… No one to rush me or wonder why I’m taking so long. My favorite is getting to witness the way a piece was created or the life long work of an artist. Both types of exhibits remind me: NOTHING H…

Becky Angell, better known as Becky The Traveller is a British travel blogger, content creator, writer and photographer who runs the popular websites Becky The Traveller and Peak District Walks. If you are into hiking, and the outdoors, which hopefully you are listening to this podcast, then there is a good chance you have come across Becky’s websi…

I feel very honoured to be sharing episode 18 of the Distance Hiker podcast with you, where I speak with Abbie Barnes, filmmaker, adventurer, podcaster, content creator and activist, and entrepreneur of Spend More Time In The Wild. In this episode abbie opens up about her early experience behind the lense, as a filmmaker, her business, and her walk…

You don’t have to do anything the way everyone else does. I KNOW this may sound obvious It’s more HIDDEN than you might think, though. STORY TIME: 📖 Just recently, I was talking to one of my coaches about doing one hour consults. When I seemed like I didn’t really like doing them she asked… Why do you do them? I said: Because it’s the way it’s done…

Charlotte is a Hill and Moorland leader, Access Field Officer, Ordnance Survey champion and advocate for stand up paddleboarding. In this episode, we explore Charlottes story, her views on access, including some questions I have around it, and discuss her first long distance walk on the Hadrians Wall Path. We wrap the up the episode talking about P…

I got to be on Lydia Feldman’s podcast talking about: The Power of Taking Selfies! If you do not know Lydia, once you listen to this podcast episode, you are going to want to follow her and be her bestie. She’s effervescent, vibrant, straight talking, real, fierce, and fearless all while being relatable and ICONIC at the same time. I highly recomme…

Warriors! Our brains want to cancel/ignore all of our awesomeness!! Don’t let it! This week I’ve done so much brave and bold stuff! YOU HAVE, TOO!! Last night as I was prepping for bed, my brain was like: Wow. You’ve not accomplished your goals. You didn’t get 50 new clients. (Mind you, my goal was not 50 new clients but my brain likes to be VERY d…

In Episode 16 I sit down with Chase Tucker, from Chase Mountains on YouTube and founder/owner/operator of Basecamp - an online fitness coaching business for us outdoorsy folks. We go into loads in this episode from Chase's story, which he really opens up about, and how that ultimately ties into the out-of-the-ordinary life he has crafted for himsel…

What if you could… 🤔🤩 Be your own magical 💫 : •YODA who compels you to do the hard thing, take the risk, and 100% believes in you even when you doubt •KINDNESS ADVOCATE who doesn’t let you say mean things to yourself •PERSON WHO SAYS to you “I’m here for you, no matter what you’re going through, no matter what you’re feeling” •SWEET & LOYAL DOG who…

This week I am thrilled to bring to you Chris Howard - probably better known as Chris the Coast Walker. Chris is well known to our community of long distance hikers over on UK Long Distance Hiking, thanks to his frequent updates while walking the Coastline of Britain. And about that walk. Chris Howard undertook a remarkable feat of endurance, both …

You’ve done something you’re totally proud of, at some point, right? Like totally thought you rocked it? And then…. Bum bu bummmm…. Your brain comes in like a freight train T-boning a car sitting on the tracks and says: Wow. You sure messed that up. What were you thinking? Why did you say that? You took over the conversation. You are so selfish. Yo…

On this episode, I am so excited to welcome Martyn Howe to the microphone, as we talk about his story of walking all the big trails in England, Scotland and Wales. Martyn shares how he fits walking into his life and around his career, and his decision to commit to walking the big trails, fitting them in around family and work commitments. As with a…

Have you ever said, “I feel like I’m sabotaging myself?” You’re right. Kind of. It’s not your fault, though. Here’s why… Brains have two parts: Primitive Pre-frontal cortex They basically like OPPOSITE things. If you sometimes feel like you’re fighting with yourself or constantly torn between two things… Guess what? Nothing has gone wrong AND You a…

I love The Lord of the Rings. I've not read the book. I've watched the movies MANY times! Eowyn is one of my favorite warriors in this series. I decided to research more about her and discovered some awesomeness. No surprise. Enjoy this episode! If you'd like to bring out your Warriorness more, click HERE. Let's chat! Previously published here.…

Wayne Mullane is a self-published author, and relative newcomer to hiking and the outdoors, which is exactly what he speaks about in his book Adventure Dayze. I really enjoyed talking with Wayne as he shared a very fresh story of how his interest in hiking had developed, and subsequently lead to him making the decision to walk up Ben Nevis What mak…

Maybe you’re disappointed… In you. In the way you’re showing up. In who you are being. Knowing what you’ve been thinking, feeling, doing or NOT thinking, feeling, doing... It makes you want to: Be hard on yourself… Beat yourself up… Say a few mean things to yourself. You and me… We are human. Our brains do this. They think they are helping. The tru…

•You are making yourself wrong and shoulding yourself •You aren't having compassion for yourself right where you are, accepting how you feel, look, act right now •Not soothing your nervous system •Not allowing yourself to rest and receive and accept If any of these sound like you, tune into this episode to learn how your affirmations could have mor…

In Episode 12 of the Distance Hiker Podcast I interview Berengere (Be) Cortade who is a long distance hiker, ultrahiker, and outdoor therapist by trade. I promised to bring you more stories from hikers, and today I have a good one. We explore the Be’s interest in walking, from her first challenge events and ultras through to her Thru Hike of the Ca…

What people think REST means: •Doing nothing •Being lazy •Wasting time when you could be working •Playing hooky from work/trying to get out of working What REST actually means: •Restoring, rebiuilding, re-energizing •Purposefully letting your brain, body, emotions have space •Allowing yourself to slow down and process the work you've done •Giving y…

Eight year old Davina was afraid of not being perfect. Teenage Davina was certain God was disappointed in her. Young mom Davina thought she would always remember her mistakes when she looked in the eyes of her baby. Fifty-one year old Davina has very different views on how God feels about her and about repentance. Tune in today to hear how amazing …

Maybe you’re disappointed… In you. In the way you’re showing up. In who you are being. Knowing what you’ve been thinking, feeling, doing or NOT thinking, feeling, doing... It makes you want to: Be hard on yourself… Beat yourself up… Say a few mean things to yourself. You and me… We are human. Our brains do this. They think they are helping. The tru…

On episode 11 of the Distance Hiker Podcast Matthew is joined by Mike Smith, also known as Pack_Backer on Instagram. In this episode, we talk about Mikes's growing interest in long-distance hiking, from his start on the Pennine Way a couple of years ago to the vast amount of long-distance trails he has walked since. We also put the world to rights,…

1% more creativity. Ohmiheck. It’s so good for your brain and your heart and soul. It’s magic! It can be so simple. For me, that 1% happens when I get dressed. I choose something I haven’t worn and then pair the item with something I would NEVER put with it. Sometimes this is the opposite shoes (maybe I’d usually wear heels but I pick kicks instead…

Bubble braids. Until two weeks ago I had never worn them. I was a little afraid of them. Several years ago, someone I respect suggested I was wearing braids to keep people from taking me seriously…to soften my intense personality. I don’t think she was wrong. I stopped wearing two braids. Not because she told me to but because I wanted to experimen…

An open letter to Davina, It may seem like you’re retreading old patterns. You’re not. You’re at a new level with greater awareness than you’ve ever had. You are not stuck. You are blowing my mind with your bravery and rawness. I’m grateful you are willing to share, ask for help, and see yourself in ways you never have before. Thank you. You are ma…

Matthew is joined by John Beamson from Robustours, an Ultra Event business. John is a hard working and honest bloke, who talks his mind and shares his background, philosophy and and beliefs in regards to pushing yourself, and maintaining a robust mindset.

Does one or more of these sound like you? I still haven’t lost the weight I want to lose. I still haven’t started my book. I still don’t have the relationship I want. I still don’t have the spiritual life I’ve been longing for. I still struggle with one (or more) of my kids. I still haven’t started my podcast I still am not writing I still feel con…