Pretty Good at Talking

By: Vince Strawbridge
  • Summary

  • In 2018, the Strawbridge family - including four kids aged 11 to 16 - walked from Canada to Mexico along the Pacific Crest Trail. Their story is told in the book ”Pretty Good at Walking,” but a 2,650-mile journey creates more stories than one book can hold. Join author Vince Strawbridge as he sits down with the colorful characters who shaped his family’s adventure - from trail angels and fellow hikers to musicians and mountain guides. Each episode reveals a new perspective on shared moments from the trail, exploring how individual journeys intertwine to create the unique culture of the PCT. Whether you’re a long-distance hiker, an armchair adventurer, or simply love a good story, Pretty Good at Talking invites you to discover the community that makes the Pacific Crest Trail more than just a path through the wilderness.
    Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
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Episodes
  • 04 - Angie Hashioka - Pretty Good at Talking
    Jan 23 2025

    In this episode of Pretty Good at Talking, host Vince Strawbridge converses with Angie Hashioka, a significant figure in his family's journey along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). They reminisce about their friendship, the challenges faced on the trail, and the support received from friends. Angie shares her experiences as a trail angel, providing care and comfort during a critical moment in the hike. The conversation explores themes of friendship, resilience, and the beauty of nature, while also reflecting on personal growth and the memories created along the way. In this conversation, Vince Strawbridge reflects on his experiences hiking the Pacific Crest Trail with his family, discussing the nuances of storytelling, the connections made with fellow hikers, and the lessons learned from frustration and misunderstanding. He shares insights on the impact of health on hiking experiences, recounts survival stories that foster personal growth, and reflects on the importance of shared experiences in parenting. The conversation culminates in a discussion about inspiring others through adventure and the value of finding joy in life's simple moments.

    Be sure to check out Vince's new book on Amazon: Pretty Good at Walking: A family journey https://a.co/d/aGKzQ1x

    Takeaways

    Angie Hashioka played a crucial role as a trail angel during the PCT journey.

    Friendship can provide essential support during challenging times.

    The contrast between life in Florida and California shapes perspectives on nature.

    The decision to hike the PCT was influenced by a desire for new experiences.

    Physical challenges on the trail can lead to unexpected moments of connection.

    Medical care and recovery are vital for hikers facing injuries.

    Memories of friendship are often tied to both joyful and difficult experiences.

    The concept of providence suggests that help arrives when needed most.

    Halloween on the trail created unique and memorable experiences.

    Reflections on parenting reveal the growth and independence of children. Storytelling involves nuances that can be corrected with feedback.

    Connections with fellow hikers enrich the hiking experience.

    Frustration can lead to unexpected positive outcomes.

    Health issues can significantly impact outdoor adventures.

    Survival experiences can lead to personal growth and reflection.

    Parenting involves shared experiences that shape relationships.

    Adventure can inspire others to explore the outdoors.

    Finding joy in simple moments is essential for happiness.

    It's important to slow down and appreciate life.

    Every experience contributes to a larger narrative of resilience.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to the Journey

    03:13 The Significance of Trail Angels

    06:06 Recollections of Soccer and Friendship

    09:05 Life in Florida vs. California

    11:57 The Decision to Hike the PCT

    14:51 Challenges on the Trail

    18:07 The Rescue and Support from Friends

    21:02 Medical Care and Recovery

    24:01 Memories and Scars of Friendship

    26:51 The Role of Providence on the Trail

    30:03 Halloween on the Trail

    32:53 Symbolism in the Journey

    36:06 Reconnecting in Idlewild

    39:04 Reflections on Kaia's Growth

    41:51 Independence and Parenting

    44:32 Navigating Nuances in Storytelling

    47:15 Connecting with Fellow Hikers

    49:36 Lessons from Frustration and Misunderstanding

    52:46 The Impact of Health on Hiking Experiences

    01:00:00 Survival Stories: A Journey of Growth

    01:12:21 Reflections on Parenting and Shared Experience

    s

    01:20:58 Inspiring Others Through Adventure

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    1 hr and 24 mins
  • 03 - June Strawbridge - Pretty Good at Talking
    Jan 19 2025

    Show Notes

    Buy Vince's Book: Pretty Good at Walking: A family journey https://a.co/d/1l60Hj8

    Summary

    In this episode of Pretty Good at Talking, Vince Strawbridge interviews his daughter June about her experience hiking the Pacific Crest Trail at the age of 14. They discuss the challenges, triumphs, and personal growth that came from the journey, as well as the impact it had on their family dynamics. June shares her thoughts on the mental strategies she employed to keep going, the relationships she built with her siblings, and the lessons learned from the trail. The conversation highlights the importance of perseverance, the joy of nature, and the lasting memories created during their adventure.

    Takeaways

    June was excited yet nervous about the hike.

    The journey tested June's resolve and shaped her character.

    Mental strategies helped June cope with the challenges of hiking.

    Milestones along the trail boosted June's confidence.

    Memorable moments in Oregon included beautiful landscapes and encounters with other hikers.

    The hike strengthened relationships among family members.

    Physical struggles were a significant part of the experience.

    Trail magic moments provided unexpected joy and support.

    June learned valuable lessons about perseverance and self-discovery.

    The experience changed June's perspective on challenges and growth.

    Quotes

    "I think I felt like... Now we're really doing it."

    "I think I may take it a little for granted now."

    "I think it'll be fun."

    “Hey Daddo, I just thought of something.”

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to the Journey

    04:23 Excitement and Apprehension Before the Hike

    07:20 First Impressions on the Trail

    10:24 Mental Strategies During the Hike

    13:23 Milestones and Achievements

    16:12 Memorable Experiences in Oregon

    19:19 Reflections on Relationships and Emotions

    22:22 Physical Challenges and Injuries

    25:21 Inventions and Daydreams on the Trail

    31:16 The Journey Begins: Reflections on Hiking

    33:28 Key Moments and Encounters on the Trail

    36:17 Nature's Beauty and Personal Growth

    40:22 Overcoming Challenges and Mental Resilience

    45:49 The Transition to the Desert: A New Perspective

    50:33 Life Lessons from the Trail

    54:10 Memorable Experiences and Surprises

    57:40 The Impact of the Journey on Relationships

    01:03:03 Journey on the Pacific Crest Trail

    01:03:34 Reflections on Adventure and Growth

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • 02 - Triple Crown Moms - Monica Strawbridge, Mindi Bennett, Danae Netteburg talk trail, over 8000 miles worth, and a whole lotta kids.
    Jan 15 2025

    In this episode of Pretty Good at Talking, we drop in on a conversation between three remarkable moms who have each completed the Triple Crown of hiking with their families, Monica Strawbridge, Mindi Bennett, and Danae Netteburg. They share their extraordinary experiences, challenges, and the joys of hiking with children. The conversation delves into the planning, the dynamics of family life on the trail, the lessons learned about resilience and grit, and the transition back to normal life after such an adventure. Through laughter and shared stories, they reflect on the impact of these journeys on their families and the bonds formed along the way.

    Strawbridges:

    Buy a copy of Vince's book PRETTY GOOD AT WALKING on Amazon at: https://a.co/d/04U4id8

    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/strawbridgetreks

    Bennetts:

    Buy a copy of Mindi Bennet's book KIDS OUT WILD on Amazon at: https://a.co/d/5gds3X1

    Netteburgs:

    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/danae.netteburg

    Takeaways

    The Triple Crown of hiking is a significant achievement for families.

    Planning and preparation are crucial for long hikes with children.

    Daily routines on the trail can foster family bonding.

    Food choices and cooking strategies are essential for trail life.

    Interactions with other hikers enrich the experience.

    Teaching kids resilience and grit is a valuable lesson from hiking.

    Transitioning back to normal life can be challenging after such adventures.

    The simplicity of trail life contrasts sharply with everyday life.

    Sharing responsibilities and roles within the family is important on the trail.

    The memories created on these hikes are treasured by families.

    Quotes

    "We had to be like, are we done?"

    "It's just like a thruhike."

    "We can't just do two thirds."

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to the Triple Crown Families

    10:58 The Journey Begins: Motivation and Planning

    16:38 Reactions from Family and Friends

    21:21 Trail Experiences: Highlights and Challenges

    31:10 Keeping Spirits Up on the Trail

    33:55 Navigating Physical Challenges on the Trail

    35:20 Family Dynamics and Motivation

    37:13 Finding Joy in Hiking with Kids

    39:07 Adjusting Hiking Strategies Over Time

    40:56 Training and Preparation for Long Hikes

    42:13 Roles and Responsibilities in Hiking Families

    43:07 Cooking and Meal Preparation on the Trail

    44:36 Food Choices and Nutrition for Hikers

    48:22 Organizing Resupply and Camp Chores

    50:44 Managing Guilt and Expectations as Parents

    53:01 Injuries and Health Concerns on the Trail

    55:18 The Importance of Group Dynamics

    57:03 Facing Fears and Challenges in the Wilderness

    01:05:11 Navigating Scary Moments on the Trail

    01:16:09 Transitioning Back to Normal Life

    01:21:59 The Impact of Hiking on Kids' Lives

    01:34:58 Introduction to Trail Adventures and Family Journeys

    01:35:25 Exploring Family Stories in Nature

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    1 hr and 36 mins

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