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 #09 - Jacob “Pimento”
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🧀 From the AT to the PCT: Tramily, Trail Grit & Life Off the Beaten Path with Pimento 🥾🌄
What does it actually mean to find your people on trail — and what happens when the trail ends and real life begins?
In this episode of Hikes & Mics, we sit down with Jacob, better known as Pimento — a thru-hiker from Indiana who's hiked the Appalachian Trail, the Arizona Trail, and the Pacific Crest Trail alongside one of the most tight-knit tramilies you'll ever hear about.
We trace Jacob's unlikely entry into long-distance hiking and follow his journey from the 2021 AT to the PCT — where injuries, separation from his crew through the Sierras, and an emotional reunion at Cascade Locks tested his grit. We also explore the Arizona Trail's wild contrasts, from super bloom valleys to snow-packed approaches to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
But this conversation goes well beyond the trail. Jacob is a former whitewater rafting guide on West Virginia's New River Gorge, a woodworker who hand-crafts his own paddles, a skoolie builder, and a maple syrup producer who taps 275 trees each season on the family farm — the force behind Hoosier Sugar Daddy.
🎧 Whether you're a thru-hiker, a tramily loyalist, or someone who just wants to hear what it sounds like when adventure becomes a way of life — this one's for you.
Episode Links:
Jacob on Instagram
Hoosier Sugar Daddy Website
This episode was Produced by Jordyn Smith, follow her on Instagram @jordyn.journeys
Follow us on Instagram, @Hikesandmics
AllTrails+
I'm excited to share that I’m now a Trailheads Ambassador for AllTrails+! If you love exploring the outdoors, AllTrails+ is your ultimate adventure companion. Get offline maps, real-time wrong-turn alerts, and trail previews to help you hike smarter and safer. Plus, with 3D maps and deeper trail insights, planning your next trek has never been easier.
Try AllTrails+ free for 7 days, and when you sign up using my referral link, you’ll get 30% off your AllTrails+ membership!
Sign up here: AllTrails+ (promo is only redeemable via web and not the app)
Ursa Minor Outfitters - Inspired by the outdoors, Created by local artists
Go check them at www.ursaminoroutfitters.com and don’t forget to enter the promo code HikesMics10 at checkout to receive 10% off your order.
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