051 - How Quitting Drinking Allowed Me To Be A Better Representative of Christ with Andy Miller "Metro On the Move"

In this week's epsiode, Andrew Miller, known as Metro on the Move, shares his journey of reconnecting with nature and faith through hiking. He discusses the impact of a friend's death on his life choices, leading him to document his outdoor adventures on YouTube. Andrew emphasizes the importance of community, personal growth, and the spiritual revelations he experiences while hiking. He also talks about the challenges of living a sober lifestyle and how he aims to inspire others through his story. The conversation culminates in Andrew's plans to hike the Appalachian Trail in 2025, highlighting the significance of prayer and purpose in his journey.

Connect with Andy:
Hikersofamerica.com
Instagram: @metroonthemove
YouTube: @metroonthemove

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• 9:37 (Cont.) 051 - How Quitting Drinking Allowed Me To Be A Better Representative of Christ with Andy Miller "Metro On the Move"

Transcript

On today's episode of My Valley, His Victory, we have Andy Miller, also known as Metro on the Move. He is a Christ follower and creative at heart. Andy was born in Newport Beach, California, and was raised by missionaries, traveling the world to share the message of God. Now living in Atlanta, he had a life-changing, profound moment that deepened his faith and inspired a journey of reconnection with God and nature. Through Metro on the Move, he now celebrates a decade of exploring trails. 

Kenzie Smith (01:40.766)
inspiring others with the mental and physical benefits of hiking and embracing a purpose-driven sober life.

McKenzie Smith (00:01)
Hey, Andy, thanks so much for being with us today.

Andrew Miller (00:04)
Hey, Kinsey, how are you today?

McKenzie Smith (00:06)
I'm doing so good. How about you?

Andrew Miller (00:09)
It's been a long weekend. I just got back from Sylvan, North Carolina. was out in the mountains. Got a chance to ride up to the Water Rock Knob and catch a view. How was your weekend?

McKenzie Smith (00:22)
You know, it was full of work, so not as fun and eventful as yours, but the weekends are usually the times that I work the most because my husband is usually gone and so I can get a lot of things done and I kind of have the opposite schedule as most people. yeah. So, Andy, why don't you go ahead and just tell our listeners a little bit about yourself and who you are.

Andrew Miller (00:44)
Okay. My name is Andrew Miller. also known as Metro on the Move. I go by Andy with all of my friends, but on the trail, I'm known as Metro. I am a Christ follower, artist, singer, painter, content creator, and hiker. I am Gen X and I am from Newport Beach, California. I don't know if that's a good enough intro or not, but that's pretty much it.

McKenzie Smith (01:06)
Yeah, so anyone that has a trail name, always like to ask, how did you get the name?

Andrew Miller (01:12)
that's a good question. So I was up in North Georgia at a shelter and there was some people that were talking about local trails and I chimed in and said, have you heard about this trail or that trail? And they're like, it seems like you know a lot about these trails up here. Are you a local? I said, well, no, I'm from Atlanta. I just come up here on, you know, on the weekends. so they're like, so you're one of those metros. And I was like,

You know, I think I'll take that, you know. So from there, I've used my name as Metro as I am a city boy that goes out to the mountains. But I don't know. I feel that I'm most at home in the mountains. So I guess the name just stuck over the years.

McKenzie Smith (01:56)
Yeah, absolutely. sorry, hold on one second. Yeah.

I don't know how to do that.

Sorry, my husband just came in because his headphones connected to this computer and he was like, turn the Bluetooth off. See, this is why I edit because things like this happen. I was like, I lost you for one second, but I saw it pop up and I know what he normally does. anyways, you just shared your trail name.

Andrew Miller (02:25)
Wait a minute, wait a minute.

McKenzie Smith (02:43)
Very cool. So talk to us a little bit about how you got into YouTubeing and the channel Metro on the Move. Talk to us about how that started.

Andrew Miller (02:52)
Okay. So that's a really good question. So in 2015, I was visiting a friend who I hung out with pretty much every weekend, was a family friend. And this weekend was a little bit different because, you know, during mid conversation, you know, he said a few things to me, which I think we'll into a little bit more detail in a little bit, but.

and shortly thereafter, he had a heart attack and died. And I kind of looked at life as a whole and just said, I need to change my, my outlook on what I do on a day to day perspective and start getting out outdoors more frequently. And, with that being said, I found it was difficult to find places to go locally, not a lot of information on trails and so forth. So I decided to one, not only go find local trails, but document them for,

video purposes to help others find places to go outside and reconnect with nature. And that's kind of how it got started for me in terms of just filming the experiences, the trails. And then from there to started like reviewing various different pieces of gear and just starting putting it on a channel more more frequently. And then, you know, as I started

Getting more more comfortable with trails, I started getting on the AT and the Smoky, going to various different trails throughout the Southeast and it just started to grow. Today we just hit about 6,200 subscribers and about 2 million plus views. I'm very excited to see the channel continue to grow.

McKenzie Smith (04:29)
Yeah, that's amazing. Was hiking and backpacking something that you've always done or was that about the time that you got into it all or kind of talk to us a little bit about that?

Andrew Miller (04:40)
No, so, you know, as a child, I was part of a group called, Royal Rangers. don't know if you've ever heard of that or not, but it's kind of like the Christian version of Boy Scouts. And I've always been, you know, going out camping, backpacking, ever since I was a very little boy, but more specifically to the Appalachian Trail. I've been hiking sections of it through various different programs and through my own efforts, for the past 30 plus years.

But there was a period of my life where I was not really interested in the outdoors whatsoever. I used to be a musician and I used to focus in on playing shows throughout the Southeast, actually nationwide, I used to live in Hollywood for a little bit. That's 20 plus years ago. And then again, as my friend died, I said, hey, I need to get out of this rock and roll lifestyle. I need to maybe tone myself down and maybe find a better way to not only reconnect with

nature, but also to get myself realigned with God.

McKenzie Smith (05:41)
Yeah, absolutely. So talk to us a little bit about that. Talk to us about how being in the outdoors and being out on trail plays a role in your relationship with God.

Andrew Miller (05:51)
Excellent question. to start, my parents were missionaries. So I grew up deeply ingrained in the Christian faith. When I say my parents were missionaries, my parents were part of an organization called Open Doors. My father specifically was part of a project called Project Pearl, which smuggled a million Bibles into China. I used to actually live in Hong Kong and was very familiar with

not only a preaching the word, but distributing Bibles to communist countries. That was what my parents were deeply ingrained in when I was younger. But again, as we move through our lives, you know, drifting a little bit, I would say that, you know, I when I got into rock and roll and playing shows and so forth, I would say I wasn't exactly the best representative. And again,

when my friend died to kind of go into a little bit more detail on that. He was a staunch atheist. the day that I came over, he was asking a lot of questions that I felt like I could have opened up a little bit more about my faith with him. I like to hear people out when they talk and I don't like to necessarily force things on people. like to share.

My faith, don't like to necessarily ask too targeted of questions, but in this instance, he had actually looked at me and right before he died, he said, you know, he was to say that when I die, I go anywhere. And that was my opportunity to really open up. And just a few minutes after saying that, he died. know, staunch atheist, know, re-enouncing God right in front of me, I felt like that was my...

my sign to be a better representative, again, kind of realign myself with God and, you know, find healthier ways to reconnect with nature. that's again, how I started filming my adventures out on trail.

McKenzie Smith (08:01)
Yeah. So for being in the outdoors, does that help you do in your relationship with Christ? Does it help you, know, grow closer to him? Does it allow you to hear him better? Kind of talk to us about that.

Andrew Miller (08:15)
So in that regard, mean, if you go backpacking solo, you know, you have the first few hours of like getting adjusted to, I'm out here. Okay. My car is probably fine. You know, yes, I got my keys locked. Everything's good. And then your, your mind starts to really think about what's going on in your life. Right. And, know, if you're not comfortable with what's happening, you know, in your life, you know, it's really going to come out when you're out there on trails, solo and hiking.

So in those moments, I feel like that's when I can really share what's going on in my life with God and just be out there. not trying to entertain or do anything. I'm just out there in my own world with God. And I feel like that's my own time to share my thoughts, to pray, to just, again, realign myself with God and...

through nature is pretty much how I do it. I just walk with Christ literally solo and, and, know, pray as I go along on trail.

McKenzie Smith (09:23)
Yeah, I love what you said that whatever's going on in your life is going to come out on trail because I think that's so true. We can fill our lives full of distractions and noise and maybe not have to actually address the things that are going on. But when we're out there, it's like a good reality of the state of of things for sure. So can you share a story with us about a way in which maybe God has revealed himself to you or spoken to you through the outdoors?

Andrew Miller (09:42)
Yeah.

Okay. So, I think I'll call this the hippie on the mountain story. So, to add on to the story of, you know, okay, I'm out here. I'm filming my adventures. Okay. I'm living this healthier lifestyle. Okay. I'm trying to, you know, help others find ways to reconnect with God and nature. you know, what, what was going on in my life? I was.

you know, slowly but surely trying to quit my vices. And one of those things was I quit smoking. And another thing was I got off all prescription medications that were prescribed by my doctors and so forth. Just kind of like living a more organic lifestyle, but I didn't quit drinking, right? I kind of always made excuses for it. And this particular morning, it was actually Easter Sunday of all mornings. My wife and I had climbed up on the Appalachian Trail to Cal Rock Mountain.

And we ran into two through hikers and I can actually remember his name. I don't know if I'm allowed to say his name, but his name was just us in the experience. Right. I can't remember the other gentleman's name right now. I have it in a video somewhere, but in short, we started sharing stories of our background. I told him how I got started with YouTube and blah, blah, blah. And he was telling me why he's on the trail. And, you know, I started sharing with them. was like, yeah, I've been able to pretty much.

Realize myself spiritually. I've been able to quit most of my vices. I just can't quit drinking. And without hesitation, the guy looked at me because he just shared his own personal struggle with alcohol. was like, you it's not that you can't quit drinking, it's that you don't want to. And I guess it was that moment that I was like, wow, I don't know this guy from Adam. You know, he's sharing his personal struggle with alcohol. He's on his thru-hike and I'm out here on Easter Sunday.

McKenzie Smith (11:38)
Mm.

Andrew Miller (11:48)
And then, know, God's using this guy to tell me like, quit making excuses. You know, it's time for you to, to make some moves. So about a week later or so, I actually went backpacking with a group called the Penhody Mafia. And during that, that, that, that particular trip, you know, I had just had that experience. I'm thinking, okay, I need to stop drinking. I need to,

McKenzie Smith (11:53)
Mm.

Andrew Miller (12:17)
figure this out in this group, the Pinochle Mafia, is there a group of class act Christian guys, know, straight lays, no bull crap, sorry. I'm not going to keep it clean here. you know, pretty much really good representatives. And I saw that they were able to live a life without having to drink and party and all that. was like, man, that'd be really cool if I could be like that one day. Specifically, there was a guy in the Pinochle Mafia that I was

McKenzie Smith (12:29)
you

Andrew Miller (12:46)
refer to as what would J. Ben do because J. Ben is actually one of the best representatives. Man, if I could do anything, I wish I could live a little bit better lifestyle like this guy. then about a week later, I was able to do through the grace of God, just basically quit drinking cold turkey. And I haven't, I haven't touched a drink since it's been almost four years. May 9th will be the actual.

celebration of four years. yeah, so I would say that's a pretty powerful story in terms of, okay, change your life. And then, you you're making excuses and then you get called out and then you get shown people, you know, on trail that help realign you, I guess, being a better representative gave me something to shoot for. And thank God that happened.

McKenzie Smith (13:36)
Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. And our listeners should know who J Ben is, because he has been on, on the podcast. That's Jeff Benfield for those of you listening that maybe only know him by that, but, yeah, he shared, shared his story, a months ago. So listeners should be a little bit familiar with him, but yeah, that's wild that you just had some guy, you know, straight up say it's cause you don't want to. And then you were.

put in community, you know, with these guys. Was this your first trip out with the Pinjote Mafia or had you hung out with these guys before?

Andrew Miller (14:12)
Yeah. So to kind of build upon the story of Metro on the Move. for several years, several years, I was a solo hiker. did not go out with an, again, trying to find ways to ground myself, reconnect spiritually with God through nature, hiking solo. But I had seen a few different channels out there on YouTube, hiking groups, right? Like, that'd be so cool to be able to join one these hiking groups, especially

They were all YouTubers. was like, how awesome that would Well, one of these guys, his name was Brad, also known as as the crow flies hiking. I think he's also been on this podcast. I reached out to him because he had hiked the pine mountain trail and it's like a 23 mile short trail that you can do one day, maybe two days if you'd like to extend it. he had done it before. was like, Hey, would you be interested in maybe doing a collab video? I said, yeah, that'd be great.

McKenzie Smith (14:48)
He has.

Andrew Miller (15:07)
So we met up there and on trail, he was talking about a guy named Jben. And I was like, you know, the way you're explaining this guy is a YouTuber loves Z packs, you know, went to the AT kickoff. was like, I think I know who you're talking about. And how I actually knew Jben was I was at the AT kickoff and, long story short, his wife ended up winning a Yeti cooler instead of,

Odie. And I thought that Odie should have won it because he obviously needed a cooler. He lives in a bus, you know, maybe he might need the cooler more than someone else. And I just remembered having this dialogue with them as they were leaving. Crow saying, that's J-Bin. was like, my God. So on the fiery gizzard, I actually ended up getting to meet J-Bin again, but I had seen him at the AT kickoff. it was kind of like a group. He asked me to join him on a hike at the fiery gizzard. But so.

Crowe was actually the person that introduced me to the Penhori Mafia and that's how I was able to meet Jayden formally, I guess.

McKenzie Smith (16:12)
Okay, very cool. Yeah, what interesting timing and just yeah, grace of God, just putting those people in your life.

Andrew Miller (16:20)
It's really random

and again another one I would say is Leonidas. I don't know if you've ever spoken to him or not, but Leonidas I had met him through YouTube Just kind of like random comments and conversations and again all of this was from YouTube Crow Then he said, know J Ben and then he's like Leonidas and he's having all these people that kind of spoken to through the internet and then the fiery gizzard was kind of like a the first internet meetup, but

Crow was the first person I met from the internet, which was really weird, because it's always like, hey, yeah, I don't know you from Adam, but hey, let's go meet up in the woods where we don't have cell phone receptions from the internet. That sounds like the best idea ever. And then from there, it just blossomed into the Panheli Mafia.

McKenzie Smith (17:07)
Yeah, that's so funny. feel like things have definitely changed. Like when I was growing up, it was like stranger danger. Like don't, you know, we had the Craigslist killers, you know, and all the things. And it was like, you don't go meet up with strangers. And now I feel like I do it all the time. You just said you do it, but like go and meet people that we've met on the internet and we go out into the wilderness with them and it's great. And so I know my parents sometimes like you're going where you've never met this person. And I'm like, yeah, mom, but it's okay. Just

I've done enough research at this point. Yeah, the Garmin.

Andrew Miller (17:40)
I would say that since I got the Garmin, I'm starting to feel a little bit more comfortable about the new cell phone. know, like at least I can send the last place that I was known to be to somebody, and just in case, you know, just in case.

McKenzie Smith (17:45)
Mm-hmm.

Yeah, yeah, yeah,

I agree. That's one of my must haves because my husband also is like, I would like to at least know where you are because I do like you a lot of things either by myself or with a group of girls. And so it's like, yeah, I just like to know that you're alive. So that was a must have for me as well.

So are most of your backpacking, hiking adventures, are they in the Southeast? I know you live in Atlanta, but do you do a lot of stuff in that area? Do you travel outside of the Southeast? Kind of where's your, where's your go-to?

Andrew Miller (18:28)
Alright, so I am again a southeastern hiker. Some of the trails I do hike predominantly would be the Appalachian Trail, Hode Trail, the Pine Mountain Trail, the Foothills Trail. Those are pretty much my go-to places to hike. I have ventured out west to South Dakota, Nevada, California and so forth, but predominantly it is going to be southeastern trails, hikes as such.

McKenzie Smith (18:58)
Yeah, is that your favorite area or is that just because it's local?

Andrew Miller (19:03)
It's by default, I would say again, I've been here a good portion of my life at this point. So also I am married and for the past 20 years I've been working in technology and advertising, but I haven't been able to get away mainly due to work related purposes, but that's why. Strong weekend worry, that's correct.

McKenzie Smith (19:25)
Yeah. So it's a strong weekend warrior.

I love it. It's so I've said this before, but it's so wild because I feel like there is so much more backpacking in the southeast than I knew about when I lived there. And now that I'm not there, I feel like I've connected with most people in the southeast. And I'm like, why didn't I know you when I lived here?

Andrew Miller (19:48)
Right,

right, right. so, especially again, if you know someone that knows these spots, you know, it's a lot easier to one, have a guide to show you all these spots, but more importantly, it's just nice to have that resource. to build upon that, I wanted to say, if you go to Hikers of America, I don't know if this is going to be one of those video podcasts or not, but I have a website called hikersofamerica.com and specific to Georgia, if you are interested in finding out about

local trails or trails that might be of interest. There's actually something called the Georgia challenge and it has seven different hikes there, different sections that if you go check out those videos, it'll show you exactly what the trail's like, but also give you a really good taste of what Georgia has to offer on hikersofamerica.com.

McKenzie Smith (20:34)
Yeah, that's amazing. And is that the group that you just started? Tell us a little bit about it.

Andrew Miller (20:41)
No, so hikers of America is or hikers of America comm just picture it for those that are listening to this it is a resource to highlight all the Backpackers that I have actually gone backpacking with so if you go to that site, you'll now I see links to their social media ie YouTube or Instagram But all of those individuals that are listed on the top backpacking channels

portion of the website, those are going to be all individuals that I've actually gone backpacking with. Now there's other information on the site like about events, like Penhody Fest, AT Kickoff, Trail Days up at Damascus, all kinds of stuff of like that nature. But the main purpose of the website was to highlight all of the backpackers that I've gone backpacking with. And again, you can find all their links and their resources on that website.

McKenzie Smith (21:31)
Yeah, that's so cool. I love that. So you obviously live in Atlanta, which is a huge metropolitan area. So and I would assume that, you know, we said you're a weekend warrior, so you're not out in nature every day. Talk to us about how maybe a listener who's like you, who lives in a big metropolitan area can connect with God on an everyday basis through nature or the outdoors.

Andrew Miller (21:37)
Mm-hmm.

Right. So for me, how I plan my hikes or whatnot, one, I do the research, try and make sure I have a trail in mind, you know, get familiar with where I want to go backpacking, whether it be the Pine Mountain Trail or up on the AT or wherever it might be. And then as I go out there, you know, what I do is I try and have more or less prayer requests, talking points, you know, looking for

some sort of connection to God when I'm saying, here's what I'm going through in my life, give me some guidance. And then I'm going through, again, after you get up on trail, you start going through all the thoughts in your mind, you start asking for guidance and starting to go through the thoughts that are going through your mind, walking through it. I look at like, okay, as I started to take these steps, I'm actually, how do I say this? I'm just walking through my thoughts.

talking to God, and I believe that if you go out there with something specific in mind as you begin to hike, as you begin to pray, I believe that those thoughts will come naturally and will help you in your own quest with God.

McKenzie Smith (23:10)
Yeah, yeah, absolutely. I've said, or I like to say that I feel like whenever I'm moving my body, my brain is actually moving forward as well. So I like that you said that as you're walking through your thoughts and you're walking on trail, it's really true. I find that when I sit on the couch, my thoughts are sitting on the couch. They're pretty stagnant as well. So moving definitely helps me move through my thoughts and things in my life too.

Andrew Miller (23:36)
To be specific too, like when you go out there, like have something specific in mind that you're trying to communicate, you know, not just, I guess you could just go through all your random thoughts, but I feel like if you've had some specific things that you're dealing with to go out there and say, God, humble yourself. Cause the hiking portion, you're going through peaks and valleys, right? And as you start to, you know, gain elevation, you're starting to get winded and just like, come on, I just want to get to the top. You want to get to the top. You're putting yourself out there. Well, that's, that's kind of like how I believe.

When you put yourself out there with God saying, hey, look, this is what's important to me. Give me guidance. me a next step. Give me something that I need to focus on. And I believe that it happens just so naturally when I'm hiking.

McKenzie Smith (24:17)
Yeah

Yeah, so true. So true. Okay, well, switching gears a little bit into the title of this podcast, My Valley, His Victory, would love for you to share a valley or season of wilderness that you experienced and just what God taught you or prepared you for in that season.

Andrew Miller (24:40)
Yeah. So peaks and valleys. So, you know, I've shared some successes, right? So I had this eye-opening experience, you know, and, wow, I saw someone renounce God die in front of me. Now I've got this ambition to realign myself, to get on the right path and to, you know, live a sober lifestyle and do all those things. Well, you know, making those decisions, you know, has led me to become more solo again, because what does that mean?

Well, from my friend base, I noticed that when it was around the bar scene and so forth, the drinking and so forth, when you quit drinking, people stopped wanting to hang out. So it's like, hey, look, it's not like I can't be around you guys, but they're like, no, no, no, we just don't want to drink. And then you start seeing those friends contract with, were they really friends? Are they trying to be looking out for? I don't know. And then from a social standpoint, business-wise,

It's a little bit different too, when people are used to entertainment and drinking and now you're the person that's not drinking. Is that really the right path for you now that you're not drinking? So career change, losing friends, career change, things of that nature. So as far as the Valley goes, it's just getting more comfortable with the new reality of living a sober lifestyle. And again,

trying to be a better representative of Christ, not everybody wants to hear that. So it's a balance, know, that challenges you. But the way I look at it is, you know, I had an opportunity at one point to be a good representative and I didn't. you know, I think that by taking this path, you know, hopefully it will inspire others to potentially do that as well. And that's why I do what I do.

McKenzie Smith (26:28)
Yeah.

Yeah. So seeing making such a life change and seeing maybe some negatives or what people could perceive as negatives, you you change, change careers, you lost friends. How do you not get angry or upset with God?

as you have to lose and shed some of these things. Like where's the hope in that?

Andrew Miller (27:01)
Well, number one, I don't get mad at God for anything. Because if you think about it, most of the time, the situations that you're in are kind of the results, maybe indirectly or not directly, of decisions that you've made, the mayor more or less puts you in that place. So, you know, as far as getting mad at God, well, I have free will. So how can I get mad at someone when...

I'm again, the person that most likely put myself in that position. As far as staying positive, well, I've seen where paths lead throughout my life. rock and roll scene, you see some stuff. I lived in Hollywood. I've seen some pretty crazy things in my lifetime and I know where things lead. So I have that as a background saying, okay, if I go down this path, I know where that leads.

Over here, well, that was comfortable, but really wasn't going anywhere. But in this path, every time I create content, every time I go out, I have a new experience and I'm getting further in my journey. yeah, that's my reward. So just keep living. Yeah.

McKenzie Smith (28:13)
Yeah.

Yeah. Things that maybe don't seem like worldly rewards, but are are changing your life internally. And yeah, that's amazing.

Andrew Miller (28:23)
Yeah.

Well, mean, let's

kind of build upon that positive side. you know, I'm a firm believer that if you have a specific thing that you're looking for or asking for, that over time it will actually happen, right? There's a good chance that God will bring that to you in his own way. So, you know, right now it's looking pretty good for 25 that I might be.

through hiking the AT. So pretty excited about that.

McKenzie Smith (29:02)
Yeah, which

is something that you wouldn't have been able to do if you wouldn't have changed careers, right?

Andrew Miller (29:07)
Nah.

That's correct.

Yeah. So again, you know, things change, friends leave, career paths change. Now things are kind of coming into play where it's like, this might be the right move because again, it's just kind of all aligned itself to where it's like, I've always wanted to do this. And then all of sudden things start really coming together. You're like, man, this is really starting to look like a green light. And now I'm feeling like it's happening. So 25, AT.

McKenzie Smith (29:39)
Yeah, and you have section hiked the whole thing? Just parts of it?

Andrew Miller (29:43)
No, no, no, no.

Yeah, up to Grayson Highlands. In fact, if I was to say my favorite area of the AT is the Grayson Highlands. But section hike up to that point. I've done a section or two up in the White Noms in New Hampshire area, but that was a long time ago. Most of my stuff is Damascus or south.

McKenzie Smith (30:08)
Yeah. And what is, I know you said that this has been on your list for a long time. What are some things that you're hoping to get out of this experience?

Andrew Miller (30:22)
Well, again, if you go to Metro on the Move on my YouTube channel, you'll see how the journey has been out there with the AT, all the different experiences I've had. And I feel like it's really like closing up a chapter of, okay, you've been talking about it, been going out there, this is the time. I feel like it's really closing a chapter, but it also...

helps solidify me as more than just a weekend warrior. You know, again, I'm not just a backpacker. I'm going to go jump out in the trail and just pray to God. I'm trying to help others that are in there there, you know, whatever it might be, something they're going through. This might be something that could help them for me. It's saying, hey, look, I've been talking about hiking the AT for 10 years. I realign myself every possible way I could do this.

I prayed about it, you know, and now it's all coming to fruition. So it's like, again, if you pray with purpose and you're specific, I feel like this is just kind of closing up that chapter. Let me be able to, you know, here was my journey and here's, here's kind of like the grand finale, you know, once you get to God and that will be, that'll be super special. once that day comes.

McKenzie Smith (31:32)
Yeah.

Yeah, I find it funny is not the right word, but just funny that God uses the things that we're drawn to. You you've had this desire for a long time and it may not have really ever seemed like a possibility, but it's been a desire, you know, that you've had. And now that you have made

some big adjustments in your life and you have kind of dedicated your walk a little bit more in line with God. Like he is now and you have dedicated maybe even the purpose of this trip to God because you're saying, you you want to go out and you want to help others. Like now that door has been open because you stepped in obedience here, here and here and you've submitted that goal and that thought to to God. And so

It's really special how God works in that ways. Like I think, you know, we have these desires and we have these things and they, may not at first seem like they align with God. It's like, yeah, I just want to go out and hike the AT, but then over time, you know, to see that change and maybe, you know, talk to us a little bit about, you know, has that always been your desire? using it said it came 10 years ago, I would assume that that wasn't your goal 10 years ago. You know, talk to us about that.

Andrew Miller (32:59)
Yeah.

Yeah. So, when I said earlier, you know, be a better representative, you know, it's near impossible to be like Jesus in every aspect because you're a human, you're going to make mistakes. And, you know, if you can't live by a certain standard, when some people see this, it just kind of diminishes what being a Christian actually means, right? To some extent, you can actually

tarnish or turn people away. you know, I'm hoping at this point in my life that I can be a better representative. So if someone sees me that it would be a motivator in the right way. And I feel like I'm finally in that right place to be that person. So I don't really, you know, again, my background and where I came from, if you talk to some of my old friends, they're like, what are you talking about? This guy, you know.

And that's what I was trying to say is at this point in my life and how I've, again, stopped drinking and how I've realigned myself with God, I'm hoping that these stories will help those that might be in a similar struggle to say, okay, if this guy can do it, I can do it. And not only that, if he's saying that his faith was able to help him do this, then I want to know more about that too. So I want people to see that.

and want to know more about it. And that way can share more about my journey with them so they might feel this is something they could do as well.

McKenzie Smith (34:39)
Yeah, I remember you said when we first talked, all you want to do is share a message of hope. And I think that that is that is so incredibly special. And I think that that is just absolutely amazing that that is that is your view. And that's that's what you're looking to do.

So, Andy, for those who maybe want to follow along with your journey on the AT &T 2025 or just with your YouTube channel, talk to us about where they can find you or where they can connect with you.

Andrew Miller (35:11)
So I'm still, I know this might sound like I'm like an old man here, I'm like, Instagram, I'm out there, I'm on, it's just one word, Metro on the Move, it's just all mashed together, but my primary social media outlet is on YouTube, that's youtube.com slash Metro on the Move, and if you're looking to find out more about backpacking trails, gear reviews, events, and things of the such, throughout the Southeast and beyond, Metro on the Move is a channel that's dedicated to that, so I hope to you.

Hope you guys will join us over there and if you could watch our video or two, drop a comment, subscribe, all that wonderful stuff, that would be great.

McKenzie Smith (35:47)
Yeah. And will you leave our listeners with a word of encouragement or a piece of advice if maybe they have something that they are struggling with that they need to make a change in their life?

Andrew Miller (36:02)
Well, I mean, at end of the day, you know, the hippie on the mountain story was, you know, I said I had reasons for everything and I had an excuse. And if you want something, again, you have to be specific. You have to be honest with yourself about why you want it. And in its own way, if you are communicating that with God, I believe that in his way, he will help you walk through that. But you have to be honest with yourself.

you can't make excuses. And if you truly want something, mean, anything is possible through God. that's, I hope this story will help you, help people realize that through this story.

McKenzie Smith (36:43)
Yeah, well thank you so much for sharing your story and thank you so much for being here.

Andrew Miller (36:49)
Thank you, Kenzie, I appreciate it, and I hope you have a wonderful day.