The origin, evolution and behind-the-scenes story of Backpacker Radio with Zach and Chaunce (BPR #360)

On today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, presented by Topo Athletic, we bring you Chaunce and Zach’s rare solo module.

In it, we tell the full origin story of Backpacker Radio, from the co-host’s unofficial audition at a hiker’s gathering, to Chaunce showing up at the wrong restaurant on the first day, and barely making it past the first few episodes. We look at how our interview dynamic has evolved over eight years, the technical disasters of the early days, the team that quietly makes it all work, our all-time favorite guests, the ones we never aired, the dream guests we haven’t landed yet, and answer a series of listener questions.

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

HEAR

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Interview with Chaunce

Timestamps and questions

00:06:15 – Reminders: Support Akuna during his recovery., Join us for Chaunce’s Live Podcast Farewell, send your favorite Chaunce moments or a voice message to Chaunce, apply to be a co-host, check out our new merchandise, 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 did you decide 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 longevity and success of the podcast?

00:34:20 – Did you talk about the style of the podcast and the interview format you wanted?

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

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

01:09:58 – What are some of the surprising things you’ve learned from doing the podcast?

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

01:24:18 – How long did it take you to stop saying something stupid on air?

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

01:35:49 – What phrases or habits have you learned from each other?

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

01:45:45 – How have you managed to balance full-time work with hiking and the podcast?

01:53:18 – Was there any episode in which you were sick or physically unwell?

01:59:44 – Discussion on questions from listeners and Instagram

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 each other?

02:13:27 – Discussion on podcast highs and lows

02:20:23 – Who are some of your all-time favorite guests?

02:26:32 – Which guest were you most nervous about interviewing?

02:28:53 – What were your «I love my job» moments on the show?

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

02:35:51 – Discussion on podcast segments that lived and died

02:39:23 – What are the remaining dream guests that you haven’t gotten yet?

02:48:00 – Peak Performance Question: What’s your best performance-enhancing or backpacking trick?

Segments

Propaganda Clues: Roundup is being sprayed in national forests. Here’s what PCT hikers need to know by Kelly Floro

QOTD: Would you rather give up the sauces or the kisses?

Triple Crown of Ways NOT to Die

mail bag

5 star review

Check out our sound technician. @mi_chico_pauly/ and your coffee.

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