In this episode, Martin talks with Ken Posner about his shift from Wall Street life to mountain trails, where he took on the brutal and beautiful Catskill "Grid"—a challenge requiring over 400 ascents across every month of the year. What began as a pursuit of a record evolved into something far deeper.

Ken shares how stripping away gear, comfort, and convention helped him reconnect with nature on its terms. Barefoot, minimalist, and often alone, he found purpose in the mud, snow, and silence. This is more than a story about running—it's about transformation, obsession, and discovering what it means to move through the world with intention.

Ken Posner’s story continues in Chasing the Grid: An Ultrarunner's Physical and Spiritual Journey in Pursuit of the Ultimate Mountain Challenge.

Pre-order now and experience the mountains through the eyes of a man who left behind convention to find meaning in every ascent.

📘 Order on Amazon

Want to learn more about Ken Posner’s journey, philosophy, and barefoot adventures?

Visit barefootken.com and follow him on Instagram @long_brown_path for insights, stories, and updates from the trail.

#ChasingTheGrid #KenPosner #Ultrarunning #MountainChallenge #TrailRunner #NewBook #AdventureReads #PapaBearHikes

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Get outside, have fun and be safe!
Martin Armitage,
Host of the Papa Bear Hikes Podcast
https://www.papabearhikes.com/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/papa-bear-hikes/id1541491746
https://www.instagram.com/papabearhikes01/

In this episode, Martin welcomes outfitter and river guide Jon Barker for his first appearance on the podcast. Jon is the founder of Barker River Expeditions and has spent over 40 years navigating Idaho’s remote rivers. For the past 25 years, he’s specialized in desert river trips on the Jarbidge, Bruneau, and Owyhee Rivers.

Jon shares stories from his decades guiding clients through some of the most rugged and beautiful terrain in the American West, including supported hikes through slot canyons and hunts for record-setting Bighorn sheep. His knowledge, experience, and connection to the land run deep.

Martin recently returned from a guided trip on the Bruneau River in Idaho with his son, giving him a fresh appreciation for the craft and commitment of professional guides like Jon. This conversation is a celebration of wild places, expert guidance, and the lasting memories made on the river.

Barker River Expeditions is proud to be the only desert outfitter featured in 3100 Miles, a new YouTube series from the Idaho Department of Commerce and Fisher Creative. The series explores Idaho’s 3,100 miles of whitewater through stunning rapids, canyons, and stories.

Watch the beautifully filmed Bruneau River segment here:
visitidaho.org/3100-whitewater-adventures/series/bruneau-river

To learn more about Jon and Barker River Expeditions, visit barkerriver.com/about-us.

Avalon Publicity & Business Services
Increasing the Digital Footprint of Content Creators via Modern Publicity and Social Media Services

Support the show

Get outside, have fun and be safe!
Martin Armitage,
Host of the Papa Bear Hikes Podcast
https://www.papabearhikes.com/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/papa-bear-hikes/id1541491746
https://www.instagram.com/papabearhikes01/

Host Martin Armitage welcomes Dr. Sean Pastuch, founder of Active Life, whose groundbreaking approach is transforming how we think about health, movement, and longevity. Rather than relying on quick fixes or unnecessary medical interventions, Dr. Pastuch empowers individuals to reclaim their active lives through smart, sustainable fitness solutions. With a background in coaching elite athletes and a passion for helping everyday people live pain free and purpose driven lives, Sean shares practical tools and powerful insights that align perfectly with the values of the Papa Bear Hikes community.

Tune in for a conversation that could change the way you move through life.

Follow and subscribe to learn more about Dr. Sean Pastuch’s mission to help you live life without limits. Discover resources, programs, and powerful insights at drseanpastuch.com 💪🌿

#PapaBearHikes #ActiveLifeRx #WellnessWithoutLimits #LiveFully #MovementIsMedicine #SeanPastuch #HikingHealth #InjuryFreeLiving #FitnessForLife

Avalon Publicity & Business Services
Increasing the Digital Footprint of Content Creators via Modern Publicity and Social Media Services

Support the show

Get outside, have fun and be safe!
Martin Armitage,
Host of the Papa Bear Hikes Podcast
https://www.papabearhikes.com/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/papa-bear-hikes/id1541491746
https://www.instagram.com/papabearhikes01/