Hikes and Mics Podcast
Hikes & Mics is where the trail meets the conversation. Each week, host Ivan Orozco brings together hikers, backpackers, and outdoor adventurers to share the stories, lessons, and inspiration they’ve found in the great outdoors. From life-changing summits to quiet moments on local trails, our guests open up about how nature has shaped their journeys—physically, mentally, and spiritually. Every episode blends thoughtful storytelling with a dash of fun, closing out with our signature This or That: Hiking Edition lightning round. Whether you’re a weekend wanderer, a long-distance thru-hiker, or someone who simply loves the outdoors, this podcast is your campfire circle for connection, community, and adventure. New episodes drop every Monday—plus occasional bonus episodes on Fridays. Lace up your boots, plug in your headphones, and join us on the trail.
Hikes and Mics Podcast
S13 - Episode #08 - Dr. Rob Scanlon
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🚨 Survival Starts Before the Trail: Wilderness Safety & Smart Preparation with Dr. Rob Scanlon 🥾💧
What actually gets hikers into trouble on the trail — and more importantly, what keeps them alive?
In this episode of Hikes & Mics, we’re joined by Dr. Rob Scanlon — physician, backpacker, and author of Surviving the Trail: Five Essential Skills to Prepare Every Hiker for Adventure’s Most Common Perils. With more than two decades of trail experience and a career in critical care medicine, Dr. Rob brings a rare and eye-opening perspective on the realities behind hiking accidents, rescues, and preventable emergencies.
Rather than focusing on dramatic survival stories, Dr. Rob makes a powerful case for something far less glamorous — but far more important: preparation. We dive deep into the five critical variables every hiker must understand to stay safe in the backcountry: dehydration, body temperature regulation, falling, drowning, and getting lost.
Throughout the conversation, Dr. Rob breaks down the subtle warning signs hikers often miss, the compounding risks of small mistakes, and why even experienced adventurers frequently underestimate hazards like weather shifts, navigation errors, and stream crossings. We explore the psychology of fear versus preparedness, the life-saving value of analog navigation skills, and how wilderness medicine reshapes decision-making under stress.
🎒 Whether you’re new to hiking or planning bigger objectives, this episode is packed with practical, potentially life-saving insights — because the goal isn’t just reaching the destination, it’s making it home safely.
Episode Links:
Dr. Rob Scanlon on Instagram
Buy Surviving the Trail on Amazon
This episode was Produced by Jordyn Smith, follow her on Instagram @jordyn.journeys
Follow us on Instagram, @Hikesandmics
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