National Park After Dark – Episode 350: Cheers to Five NPAD Years Original Air Date: January 26, 2026 | Hosts: Danielle and Cassie | Podcast: National Park After Dark (Audioboom Studios)

Episode Overview

This milestone 350th episode celebrates five years of National Park After Dark (NPAD). Hosts Danielle and Cassie take listeners on a heartfelt, hilarious, and occasionally cringeworthy walk down memory lane. In this special, the duo recalls the podcast’s origins, revisits iconic catchphrases and embarrassing moments, highlights fan-favorite stories, and answers listeners' most frequently-asked questions. The episode is packed with personal anecdotes, community trail tales, stories of growth, and memorable foibles that have built NPAD’s vibrant wilderness-loving community.

Key Segments & Insights

1. The NPAD Origin Story

Timestamp: 02:18 – 05:55

• How It Began: Cassie and Danielle met as veterinary technicians in New Hampshire before life changes took them to Vermont and Washington, but their outdoor chats continued.
  • “When that happened, we decided to just keep our chats going that we were already having amongst each other into a podcast format...” (03:28 – Danielle)
• First Spark: The idea was pitched on Halloween, 2020, and the podcast launched on Jan 25, 2021 – a fast DIY turnaround with no formal production background.
  • “We truly started this from scratch. There was never a production team behind us.” (05:00 – Cassie)
• Early Technical Woes: Both reminisce about their bargain microphones, watery sound quality, and ignorance of podcasting basics.
  • “A lot of our first episodes sound like we are underwater. ... Or knowledge. We truly started this from scratch.” (04:40 – Cassie)

2. From True Crime to Deeper Dives

Timestamp: 05:00 – 05:55

• The podcast was initially intended as strictly true crime, sometimes with two stories per episode, but that quickly evolved to deeper, more research-driven single-story episodes.
  • "We couldn’t do the deep dives that we wanted because if we were both telling the story, it took up a lot more time.” (05:45 – Cassie)

3. Life Changes & Music Legacy

Timestamp: 06:34 – 09:53

• Today: Neither host works as a vet tech anymore; the podcast became their full-time passion.
• Iconic Intro: The NPAD theme music was composed by Danielle’s late partner, Ian, who crafted multiple versions (“spooky, but also campy... intriguing, but also scary and ominous.”).
  • "We want something that sounds spooky, but also campy, intriguing, but also scary and ominous.” (08:17 – Cassie)
  • "He did us so many versions... such a perfectionist about it." (07:30 – Danielle)
• Ian’s pride in his contribution is fondly recalled, including his live performance during the pandemic.

4. Audience Q&A: Skincare, Inside Jokes, and More

Timestamp: 10:38 – 23:24

Skincare Routines

• Listeners ask about Cassie’s noted dedication to skincare, even in the wild.
  • "Skincare has no boundaries." (12:46 – Cassie)
  • Both discuss favorite brands—ZO/ZO Skin, SkinCeuticals, SkinMedica—and gadgets (red/blue light therapy, lymphatic drainage tools), even on jungle trips.

NPAD Catchphrases & Their Origins

• Moose Aren’t Real: Spawned from Cassie’s quip about never seeing a moose, it became an inside joke and merch line.
  • "Moose aren’t real—with a passion." (15:54 – Cassie)
• You Got Haunted: Cassie’s recurring verdict on paranormal trail tales; inspired a ghost ranger merch design.
• Take the Trip: Danielle’s heartfelt encouragement to seize the opportunity to travel and adventure with loved ones.
  • "Take the trip. Just go for it." (21:25 – Danielle)
• Listeners are invited to remind them of any missed catchphrases.

5. Listener Trail Tales, Community & Emotional Impact

Timestamp: 24:25 – 47:32

• Fan Quotes & Guessing Game: Cassie quizzes Danielle on which host said fan-submitted lines, like “We abducted a boy scout this weekend.” (24:58 – Danielle)
• Trail Tales Segment: Discussing the unique NPAD tradition of listener-submitted stories ranging from the hilarious to the heartfelt.
  • “I get sick of us... so nice that you guys keep writing in.” (31:54 – Danielle)
• Listener Connection: Patrons share personal contexts—how NPAD intertwines with their own lives and love for the outdoors, and stories of finding comfort in the show during hard times or seeking signs from lost loved ones.
  • "It was a beautifully sad experience. Your opossum story was the start of a sign I so desperately needed from [my mother]." (42:25 – Listener Trail Tale)

6. Iconic Trail Tales: Foaming Pants

Timestamp: 47:32 – 54:36

• The infamous “Foaming Pants” trail tale is retold, describing a hiker’s mortification at a mysterious foaming incident, now NPAD legend.
  • “Mortified, I foamed on. ... Not even three steps in, the white froth was back.” (51:23 – Listener)
  • Cassie promises a trophy if the original sender reaches out.

7. Learning Curves: Cringey Early Mistakes

Timestamp: 54:40 – 58:40

• Cassie’s notorious confusion of “crevice” and “crevasse” in early episodes is replayed, with both laughing at how far they’ve come.
  • “I did not understand the difference between crevice and crevasse...” (54:51 – Cassie)
  • Danielle: "Who let us do that?" (19:19)

8. NPAD’s Capacity to Traumatize (in a Good Way)

Timestamp: 63:06 – 77:14

• Polling fans, the hosts reflect on the most traumatizing stories:
  • Night of the Grizzlies (scarring bear attack episode) is hands-down the most frequently cited.
    • "He grabbed a hold of the back of his thighs and bit down hard... Roy could hear her bones crunch under the strength of the bear’s bite…” (64:00 – Cassie reading)
  • Other top mentions: Yossi Ginsberg’s Amazon ordeal, “A Bolt from the Blue” (lightning strike), and “The Nutty Putty Cave” (claustrophobia-inducing caving tragedy).

9. Personal Favorites and Book Recommendations

Timestamp: 78:30 – 82:51

• Cassie’s favorite: “Fatal Lightning Strike” at Jenny Lake (Grand Teton) and “Wall of White” (deadliest US avalanche).
• Danielle’s favorite: “Man Made Man Eater” (Jim Corbett NP), “No Be So Fierce” (book), “The Third Man Factor” (about survival hallucinations).

10. Expanding Horizons: NPAD Group Trips & Live Shows

Timestamp: 83:08 – 99:55

• List of NPAD-hosted group trips since 2023: Egypt, Patagonia, Alaska (twice), Banff/Jasper/Yoho, South Africa, Madagascar, Peru, Quebec, Acadia, Borneo, Antarctica, Colorado, Hawaii, and more.
• Tales from live shows: Comedy Works Denver, sold-out events at the Stanley Hotel, Joshua Tree campout with the National Park Association, and smaller community get-togethers (e.g., Barn Door Hostel in New Hampshire).
  • “We went way over showtime... They were blinking the lights at us to get off the stage. But we didn’t know. We’ve never done this before.” (91:36 – Cassie)

11. Podcast Production: FAQs, Bloopers, and Behind-the-Scenes

Timestamp: 60:42 – 63:00

• Crunching-leaves sound in transitions is just a generic sound effect, but has spooked listeners!
• Cassie’s misophonia and the lengths taken to edit out breaths, clicks, or fidget noises—sometimes absurdly.
  • “For the first year... [Cassie] would edit out every single sound of breathing because she… couldn’t sound like a person." (62:10 – Danielle)
• Both recount their early, almost-obsessive efforts to edit and present the perfect show.

12. FAQs & The Future: Side Quests, Watch Her Cook, and 2026 Plans

Timestamp: 102:22 – 109:35

• Second Podcast Update: Their side podcast “Watch Her Cook” is on hiatus—no plans for season 2 as NPAD demands their attention.
• Fan Question: Will there be a joint trip with Tooth and Claw? Yes—announcement imminent.
  • "Now’s the time to tell you... we are [doing a trip together], you’re just going to have to wait and see.” (107:24 – Danielle)
• Life Outside NPAD: Both muse about alternate careers and travel plans (glaciologist for Cassie; historian or museum guide for Danielle—plus Titanic pilgrimages).
• Enduring Catchphrases: “Enjoy the View, Watch Your Back” is declared (sort of) a tagline, not just a phrase.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Moose aren’t real. Because moose aren’t real." (16:04 – Cassie)
• "Skincare has no boundaries." (12:46 – Cassie)
• "Take the trip, just go for it." (21:25 – Danielle)
• "Mortified, I foamed on." (51:48 – Listener, Foaming Pants Trail Tale)
• "Who let us do most of this, I don't know.” (19:23 – Danielle)
• "He grabbed a hold of the back of his thighs and bit down hard. Still, Roy managed not to make a sound...” (64:00 – Cassie, Night of the Grizzlies)
• "No, you’re not a tech person; that is not how it’s done. At all." (04:36 – Cassie)
• "We walk the line pretty good, I think." (14:45 – Danielle, on being outdoorsy and loving skincare)
• "Speaking of phrases, we have had a couple of our own we’ve coined over the years by accident.” (15:20 – Danielle)
• "We love you and appreciate you and hope that you’re with us for many more.” (109:40 – Danielle, closing remarks)

Running Jokes & NPAD Lore

• Inside jokes about “Moose aren’t real” and “You got haunted.”
• Listener confusion (and sometimes fright) caused by the “crunching leaves” ad transition.
• Self-deprecating references to early DIY merch and embarrassing early-episode gaffes.
• Cassie’s chronic fear of plane crashes after too many in-depth episodes about aviation disasters.

Timestamps of Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |-----------------------------------------|----------------------| | Welcome & Show Purpose | 00:00 – 01:43 | | NPAD Origins / Vet Tech Life | 02:18 – 05:55 | | First Episodes and Theme Music | 05:55 – 09:53 | | Skincare Routine Q&A | 10:38 – 15:18 | | NPAD Catchphrases & Inside Jokes | 15:20 – 23:24 | | Audience Moments & Trail Tales | 24:25 – 47:32 | | Iconic “Foaming Pants” Trail Tale | 47:32 – 54:36 | | Early Mistakes: “Crevice” vs. “Crevasse”| 54:40 – 58:40 | | Traumatizing & Touching Stories | 63:06 – 77:14 | | Favorite Episodes & Books | 78:30 – 82:51 | | Group Trips & Live Shows | 83:08 – 99:55 | | Behind the Scenes & Production Bloopers | 60:42 – 63:00 | | Podcast FAQs and Future Plans | 102:22 – 109:35 | | Wrap Up & Taglines | 109:36 – 111:10 |

Conclusion / Final Thoughts

This jubilant five-year anniversary episode is a microcosm of what makes NPAD a fan favorite: camaraderie, vulnerability, riotous humor, memorable running jokes, and a profound love for the wild—and for the community that has blossomed around the show. Danielle and Cassie’s unfiltered reminiscence, coupled with thoughtful acknowledgement of listeners’ own joys and traumas, cements their status as more than just podcasters; they’re authentic companions for every listener taking their own walk into the wild.

And as always, “Enjoy the view, but watch your back.”