#939 - Chris Cage

Episode Timestamps

• 00:00:00

  Chris and the Appalachian Trail: A Six-Month Hiking Odyssey

  • Chris, author of 'How to Hike the Appalachian Trail,' discusses the challenges of hiking from Georgia to Maine.
  • He emphasizes the unique experiences of winter hiking, which adds another layer of difficulty.
  • The Appalachian Trail sees less than 10,000 hikers each year, with fewer than a hundred completing the Triple Crown of hiking.
• 00:06:15

  Financial Realities and Quirky Encounters of Appalachian Trail Hikers

  • Chris reveals that hiking the Appalachian Trail costs around $5,000 for six months, challenging misconceptions about expenses.
  • The podcast hosts share personal reflections on the joys of clean showers after days of hiking.
  • Chris describes the diverse types of hikers and the quirky experiences while camping and interacting with them on the trail.
• 00:12:03

  Intense Night at Pennsylvania Shelter: The Encounter with a Dangerous Couple

  • The narrator recounts a harrowing night in a shelter in Pennsylvania during a rainstorm.
  • A troubled couple was inside the shelter, fighting aggressively and displaying erratic behavior.
  • Despite the chaos, the narrator managed to sleep through the turmoil with the help of friends.
• 00:19:13

  The Appalachian Trail: A Unique Community of Hikers and Its Hidden Dangers

  • The narrator discusses the diverse group of hikers on the Appalachian Trail and the camaraderie formed.
  • Intriguing stories emerge about individuals on the trail, including the fugitive Eric Rudolf.
  • The chapter highlights the perceived safety challenges on the trail, emphasizing that crimes are relatively rare.
• 00:22:43

  Joe Rogan's Hilarious Insights on Male Grooming and Taboo Topics

  • Joe Rogan shares his experiences with body shaving, including humorous anecdotes about leg and butt shaving.
  • Discussion about the societal perceptions around body hair and grooming norms for men, like shaving armpits.
  • Rogan's exploration of unique nicknames and the concept of 'hover jobs' when using public restrooms.
• 00:27:36

  Tick-Borne Illnesses and the Controversy of Morgellons: Insights from Joe Rogan's Guest

  • A doctor discusses the serious implications of tick bites, including Lyme disease and the debated condition Morgellons.
  • Real-life experiences shared about undiagnosed Lyme disease leading to severe health issues and neurological symptoms.
  • Joe recounts alarming statistics of Lyme disease prevalence and personal stories of those affected, emphasizing the need for awareness.
• 00:33:16

  Ticks and Lyme Disease Epidemic in New York: A Hiker's Warning

  • Discussion on the prevalence of ticks and Lyme disease in New York, especially in northeastern regions.
  • Concern about the increasing infestation of Lyme disease in areas like Massachusetts and New Jersey.
  • The narrator shares personal experiences with ticks and the importance of water purification methods while hiking.
• 00:38:25

  Hitchhiking Adventures and Trail Angels: A Hiker's Survival Tale

  • Description of the concept of 'trail angels' providing assistance to hikers needing transportation.
  • The narrator reflects on his hitchhiking experiences, contrasting safety in rural areas versus urban environments.
  • Comparison of hitchhiking culture in New Zealand as a safe and normalized practice.
• 00:44:10

  Jamie Explores the Couchsurfing Phenomenon and Its Impact on Travelers

  • Discussion on the origins and rise of Couchsurfing, highlighting its unexpected popularity.
  • Jamie shares insights about how Couchsurfing fosters authentic travel experiences by connecting locals and travelers.
  • The conversation touches on the psychological aspects of human interactions and the positive outlook of people in sharing economies.
• 00:49:46

  Chris's Life-Altering Adventure on the Appalachian Trail with Bittin Macai's Legacy

  • Chris recounts his emotional journey of hiking the Appalachian Trail, reflecting on the physical and mental challenges he faced.
  • Discussion about Bittin Macai, the trail's establishment, and the historic context of the Great Depression.
  • Emphasis on the significance of recognizing life's finite nature and the importance of adventure in one's existence.
• 00:55:00

  Trail Shoes and Hunting Gear: The Solomon and KuYu Revolution

  • Discussion on the effectiveness of Solomon trail running shoes for both hiking and hunting.
  • Comparison between rigid tactical boots and lightweight shoes among seasoned hunters.
  • Introduction of innovative gear such as Solomon gators and KuYu boots to enhance outdoor experiences.
• 01:03:30

  Cameron Haynes: The Elite Hunter Redefining Fitness Standards

  • Highlighting Cameron Haynes' extreme athleticism through his participation in the Bigfoot 200 ultra-marathon.
  • Exploration of the physical demands on hunters, emphasizing the need for exceptional fitness for backcountry hunts.
  • The misconception of hunters as out-of-shape individuals contrasted with the reality of elite athletes within the hunting community.
• 01:13:47

  Endurance Challenges in Hunting: Joe Discusses the Randomness of Physical Fitness

  • Joe shares insights on the misconceptions surrounding hunting and the physical capabilities required.
  • He emphasizes the importance of endurance training for hunters and highlights how unprepared individuals can struggle during hunts.
  • Personal experiences, including carrying his daughter uphill, illustrate the level of physical demand faced by hunters carrying heavy loads.
• 01:56:12

  Choosing the Right Gear: Joe's Expert Recommendations for Backpacking and Hunting Equipment

  • Joe discusses practical advice on selecting appropriate clothing and gear for hiking and camping.
  • He compares different backpack brands, focusing on personal comfort and weight distribution.
  • The conversation covers durable materials and the unique needs in equipment for hunters versus general backpackers.
• 01:13:47

  Backpacking Innovations: Exploring Water Filtration with Advanced Systems

  • Discussion of popular hiking and hunting water bottles and filters, emphasizing the importance of secure threading to prevent leaks.
  • Comparison between squeeze water filtration and gravity filters, with opinions on their practical use for families versus solo travelers.
  • Introduction of a filter with an astronomical warranty and utility in developing regions, highlighting its efficiency at purifying large volumes of water.
• 02:23:18

  Digital Nomad Lifestyle: Aaron's Adventures in Guatemala and Beyond

  • Aaron describes his transition to a digital nomad, living and working remotely while traveling through Guatemala.
  • He shares insights into the growing community of remote workers, particularly in Chiang Mai, Thailand, where co-working spaces thrive.
  • The conversation touches on the benefits and challenges of this lifestyle, especially concerning future plans like settling down or starting a family.
• 01:13:47

  Steve Maxwell's Journey to Extreme Minimalism: From Personal Trainer to Nomad

  • Steve Maxwell, a personal trainer from California, adopts a minimalist lifestyle by living out of a bag.
  • After a divorce, he embraces the nomadic lifestyle, traveling the world without permanent residence.
  • The discussion highlights the societal attachment to permanence and the realization that material possessions are transient.
• 01:56:12

  Exploring Indigenous Cultures and Decoding the Maya: A Dive into Guatemala's Rich Heritage

  • The narrator shares insights about living in Antigua, Guatemala, and the indigenous Mayan culture.
  • Discussion on the Mayan language dynamics and the discovery of ancient symbols that challenge current understanding.
  • Tarantino McKinnon's influence on perceptions of the Mayan calendar and the cultural significance of the 2012 phenomenon is examined.
• 01:38:56

  Exploring Ancient Maya Astronomical Practices and Psychedelic Rituals

  • Discussion of the supposed use of psychedelics by Maya civilization during star-gazing rituals.
  • Insights from a professor who guided a tour at Chichen Itza, highlighting areas where such rituals took place.
  • Speculation about how the Maya understood celestial phenomena such as the procession of equinoxes.
• 01:51:10

  Unraveling the Mysteries of the Olmec Civilization

  • Exploration of the enigmatic Olmec culture and their undetermined origins.
  • Comparison of Olmec statues' features to African features, raising questions about ancestry.
  • Discussion on the difficulty of dating Olmec structures and the challenges in understanding their language and culture.
• 01:12:43

  Exploring Hidden Cities of the Amazon: The Legacy of Ancient Cultures

  • Satellite imagery has revealed evidence of ancient cities hidden in the Amazon rainforest, potentially dating back thousands of years.
  • The discussion revolves around the 'Lost City of Gold', famously sought by European explorers, including one who died likely due to cannibalism.
  • The ongoing discoveries raise questions about civilizations in the Amazon that may have existed without leaving known records.
• 01:20:58

  Hiking Shenandoah National Park: A Unique Encounter with Nature

  • The narrative describes a hiking adventure through a national park during a government shutdown, leading to an unusual experience with wildlife.
  • The encounter includes sightings of numerous bears, emphasizing the abundant wildlife present in unvisited parks.
  • A reflection on human memory raises questions about the accuracy of eyewitness accounts, particularly concerning rare wildlife sightings.
• 01:13:47

  Christopher Cage's Journey to Develop Nutrient-Dense Hiking Bars

  • Christopher Cage discusses the inspiration behind his product, Green Belly, which aims to provide high-calorie, nutrient-dense meals for hikers.
  • He collaborates with a food scientist to formulate the bars, focusing on nutrition, taste, and shelf life.
  • Feedback from hiking festivals helps refine the product, leading to a successful launch.
• 01:56:12

  Exploring Ketogenic Diets with Christopher Cage and Nutrition Science

  • The conversation shifts to ketogenic diets, with Cage explaining the science behind maintaining ketosis and appetite suppression.
  • He shares insights from nutrition experts like Rob Wolf, emphasizing individual dietary needs and scientific experimentation.
  • Cage promotes his hiking guidebook and reflects on his unique experiences in the outdoor industry.