Michael Neiman, who, along with Bruce Matson, brought us Platinum Blazing to the trail, is our guest this week. Michael thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2018, and his new book tells that story–as a 98% true novel.

Michael, or Sharkbait has been juggling a job, parenthood, and his writing to bring this book to publication, and it's a good read, with plenty of page turning moments.

You can check out the book at his website, Hello Neiman, or on Amazon at Hello My Name is Sharkbait: A 2,000-Mile Adventure on the Appalachian Trail. OR you could follow him on Instagram at Michael Neiman (@helloneiman) • Instagram profile. He even appeared on Minnesota local TV promoting his book, here:Hello My Name is Sharkbait on Minnesota's Fox 9 Good Day - December 22, 2025

Ezra Peterson, the last remaining member of the Hike the Good Hike cohort, shares his moving story of transitioning from a woman to a man, and he is feeding his joy of the outdoors by taking on a Fastest Known Time for a non-binary person in hiking the Superior Hiking Trail. He's quite self-deprecating in that there isn't currently a record in that category, but his refreshing attitude to a tricky subject shines through in our conversation.

Finally today, the accountability blog takes us to within three weeks of my start on the Appalachian Trail. I've got everything I need, plus a few things I don't need, but I still haven't packed and tried out my darn pack!!

I used my hike in 2024 on the South West Coast Path in the UK to help raise money for my absolute favorite charity, Parenting Matters, on whose board I've been privileged to serve for over a decade. You can learn more about the hike and the organization–and donate–by visiting Hike with Steve - Empowering Parents, One Step at a Time | Parenting Matters %. I hope you want to support this critical mission.

Don't forget. Our entire series of videos from our Woods Hole Weekend in 2022 is now FREE and available at my YouTube page at Woods Hole Weekend - Trailer There, you'll find all sorts of tips and tricks that our guests took away from the weekend that helped them with their own hikes this year. Check it out.

I often ask listeners for ideas on who to interview, and I'm sure several of you say, "I could do that. I've got an awesome story to tell." You're the person we need to hear from. If you'd like to be interviewed on the podcast, just register as a guest on the link below, and I'll be in touch. Come on the show!

If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at Hiking Radio Network .

Additionally, you can join our membership at Steve (Mighty Blue) Adams. It's worth checking out what is on offer for you there.

If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, 3821 Milflores Drive, Sun City Center, FL 33573. Any support is gratefully received.

Additionally, you can "Zelle" me a donation to steve@hikingradionetwork.com. Or "Venmo" me at @‌Steve-Adams-105. They both work!

If you'd like to take advantage of my book offer (all three of my printed hiking books–with a personal message and signed by me–for $31, including postage to the United States) send a check payable to Mighty Blue Publishing at the address just above.