Best Rob Muir Podcasts (2025)

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Inside the Bothy: Stories from a 104-Shelter Adventure 39:37

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4h ago39:37

39:37

In this episode Rob talks to Juls Stodel, a trustee for the Mountain Bothies Association. It's a rich conversation. Here's what we cover. How finishing the Wales Coast Path led to giving up her flat and starting a 15-month journey through Britain’s bothies Why she avoided a “pure foot” approach and mixed walking with hitchhiking and buses to priori…

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Glimpse of Everest: Hiking from Kathmandu 21:39

9h ago21:39

21:39

In this episode of the podcast, Rob talks to Andy Dickson about his Glimpse of Everest trek in Nepal – a condensed Everest Base Camp route that stops at Tengboche Monastery, giving you that first clear view of Everest without pushing further into the highest, most committing part of the trail. Andy talks about juggling a demanding career in financi…

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Sara’s West Highland Way: Heat, Loch Lomond, and a Big Surprise 22:57

11d ago22:57

22:57

In this Episode we talk to Sara — travel designer, long-distance walker, and creator of the Instagram account The Last Invaders - about her West Highland Way adventure. What drew her from Italy to the West Highland Way Planning mistakes, last-minute fixes, and the realities of walking 20km a day How the weather turned out nothing like she hoped The…

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How to have a holiday on Mallorca's GR221 27:19

9h ago27:19

27:19

In this episode Al and Richard talk about their adventure on the GR221 in Mallorca. They definitely wanted this trail to feel like holiday so they gave themselves time each day to finish in time for an unhurried cold drink in the evening. Hear about what they packed, what they saw and how they changed their approach to walking after seeing how the …

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Tour of the Matterhorn: Hiking the Haute Route’s Secret Sister Trail 24:52

28d ago24:52

24:52

Today’s guest is Craig Dickson, a keen hiker who’s completed long-distance routes all over Europe — from the West Highland Way and Alta Via 1 to the Tour du Mont Blanc. But in this episode, he takes us to Switzerland and Italy for something a little different: the Tour of the Matterhorn, often mistaken for the Haute Route. In this episode: Craig ex…

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Six Days on the Cumbria Way with Jennifer Stevens 26:01

1M ago26:01

26:01

ennifer Stevens joins Rob to talk about her six-day walk along the Cumbria Way, one of England’s most scenic and accessible long-distance trails. She first walked it in 2021 and couldn’t resist returning — this time swapping wild camping for cosy farm stays and shepherd’s huts. They discuss: Why the Cumbria Way keeps calling her back The mix of rem…

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Permits, Bears and Cat Holes: Ally Beaven’s John Muir Trail 24:55

1M ago24:55

24:55

Author and ultra-runner Ally Beaven swaps mountain races for mountain passes, walking the legendary John Muir Trail with his partner Karen. Over 340 kilometres and two weeks, they cross high passes, navigate wilderness logistics, and rediscover the joy of moving slowly. We cover: What makes the John Muir Trail so special Why permits and planning sh…

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The Cape Wrath Trail: Into the Wild with Magnus Ross 38:20

1M ago38:20

38:20

The Cape Wrath Trail is a name that makes seasoned hikers raise an eyebrow. It’s 350km of wild terrain from Fort William to the far northwest tip of Scotland — much of it without a clear path. In this episode, Magnus Ross joins us just five days after completing it. He talks about: What it’s really like to walk the UK’s hardest trail The long days …

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Alta Via 1 in the Dolomites: Big Views, Tough Climbs, and Shared Joy 17:53

2M ago17:53

17:53

The Alta Via 1 in Italy’s Dolomites is one of Europe’s classic long-distance trails — about 120km of steep climbs, rocky passes, and unforgettable mountain huts. In this episode, I talk with Marijke, who travelled from Montana to hike the trail with her best friend. Over long days and big climbs they shared laughter, grappa, and the sheer awe of th…

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Bothies and Big Lessons on the West Highland Way 24:16

2M ago24:16

24:16

In this episode, Rob talks with Jennifer Stevens, creator of the Tiny Pine Outdoors YouTube channel, about her very first long-distance hike: the West Highland Way in Scotland. Jennifer hiked the 96-mile route in 2020, taking ten days to walk from Milngavie to Fort William. Along the way she: Faced the infamous Devil’s Staircase with a heavy pack W…

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Blisters, Joy, and a Three-Legged Dog: Martyn Howe on Britain’s National Trails 29:59

2M ago29:59

29:59

In this episode I talk with Martyn Howe, author of Tales from the Big Trails. Martyn set out to walk every one of the UK’s national trails — a journey that took him from the wild coastlines of Pembrokeshire to the vast openness of the Pennine Way and the remoteness of the Southern Upland Way. We talk about: The rhythm of trail life and why its simp…

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Following Roman Footsteps through Albania 24:22

2M ago24:22

24:22

In this episode, I talk with Bodil Outshoorn — Product Manager at On Running for the Elite Footwear Programme, PhD in shoe grip, and passionate long-distance adventurer. Bodil and a friend ran the Via Egnatia, an ancient Roman road running 500km from Albania to Greece. They covered it in just 12 days, averaging a marathon a day through mud, mountai…

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The Path to Tour Du Mont Blanc Joy 29:15

3M ago29:15

29:15

Join us as we discuss the Alps and the legendary Tour du Mont Blanc — the 170km loop around the Mont Blanc massif and one of the most popular trails in the world. I’m joined by Ian and Emily from TMBtrailguide.com, who’ve been helping hikers for over eight years with their camping guides and consultations. Based in Boulder, Colorado, they first hik…

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The Toughest Trail in America? 28:52

3M ago28:52

28:52

Simon Oxley spent 23 days on the Sierra High Route — a 195-mile trek through California’s Sierra Nevada that’s as demanding as it is spectacular. Known as one of the toughest trails in North America, the route weaves across Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia–Kings Canyon, with over half of it completely off-trail. Simon shares what it’s like to tra…

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A Mouse, a Storm and the Great Glen Way 24:32

3M ago24:32

24:32

In this conversation, Jennifer Stevens shares her experiences hiking the Great Glen Way in Scotland, discussing the trail's accessibility, the beauty of nature, and the challenges faced along the way. She reflects on her happiest moments, the difficulties of wild camping, and the interesting people she met during her journey. Jennifer emphasizes th…

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60 Laps of the Tour Du Mont Blanc 18:58

3M ago18:58

18:58

What does it take to complete the Tour du Mont Blanc 60 times? In this episode, I’m joined by award-winning author and International Mountain Guide Kingley Jones, who knows this iconic trail better than almost anyone. We talk about what makes the TMB so special, Kingley’s favourite huts, the people he’s met along the way, and his tips for anyone pl…

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Testing Times in the Lake District 16:03

4M ago16:03

16:03

Stephen Ross, founder of Big Trail Adventures spent a week in the Lakes testing four things: 1. A new route that connects 35 Wainwrights in the Eastern Fells in a continuous loop. 2. A new version of the Big Trail Adventures App 3. Some new tech - how to keep his devices charged 4. His fitness! In this episode, Stephen tells us how all that testing…

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Pure Joy on the South Downs Way 22:11

3M ago22:11

22:11

A story from Sarah and Ros who walked the South Downs Way in summer, 2025. We hear about what makes the trail so popular, where to stay and Sarah and Ros's favourite kit from their week of walking. A huge bonus from this episode is advice on how to pack for this trip without having to spend weeks in the gym lifting weights to prepare for hauling a …

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35 Wainwrights in a Continuous Loop 10:28

4M ago10:28

10:28

There's a lot to test when you're building a business. In this episode Stephen Ross, founder of Big Trail Adventures talks us through his plans to test a new route, the latest version of the Big Trail Adventures app and some new tech.

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68 Hours on the Northern Traverse 15:40

4M ago15:40

15:40

In 2025 Kirsty Reade ran the Northern Traverse for the second time. 190 miles across England from St Bees to Robin Hoods Bay in one go. Once the race starts, the clock doesn't stop. In this episode Kirsty talks about the highs and lows of completing Wainwright's Coast to Coast trail in one go. The lack of sleep, new perspectives and how to look aft…

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Storm at the Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon 18:46

3M ago18:46

18:46

In July 2025 the organiser's at the Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon faced a huge test. The night before the event rain came down in torrents. Fields were cut in half by rivers that appeared from nowhere. The wind blew down critical infrastructure. In this episode the organiser of the Saunders, Stephen Ross explains how he and his team not only …

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Autonomy (Part 2 of 2) 25:52

5+ y ago25:52

25:52

The Plangineers engage experts Sven Beiker and Gary Hsueh to explore the world of autonomous vehicles. Dr. Sven Beiker is Managing Director of Silicon Valley Mobility Gary Hsueh is Director of Mobility Programs at Prospect Silicon Valley In part 2 of this 2-part interview, Michelle and Rob continue their conversation with Sven and Gary to discuss s…

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Autonomy (Part 1 of 2) 28:05

5+ y ago28:05

28:05

The Plangineers engage experts Sven Beiker and Gary Hsueh to explore the world of autonomous vehicles. Dr. Sven Beiker is Managing Director of Silicon Valley Mobility Gary Hsueh is Director of Mobility Programs at Prospect Silicon Valley In part 1 of this 2-part interview, Michelle and Rob engage with Sven and Gary who break down the basics of "Aut…

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Indy Johar talks Future Cities Canada 23:14

6y ago23:14

23:14

Indy Johar, Visionary, is co-founder of Project 00, Dark Matter Labs, as well as multiple social ventures in England. While doing all of this, he also works with large global multinationals and institutions to support their transition to a positive Systems Economy. In this discussion, Indy explains the necessity of the "boring" revolution to equip …

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Olivia Labonte talks Future Cities Canada 18:09

6+ y ago18:09

18:09

Olivia Labonte, Executive Director of Young Diplomats of Canada, talks about grassroots youth engagement. Olivia, an economist with a passion for global youth advocacy and sustainable cities, distills ideas from the Canada at 100,000,000 panel. She shares insights from her work as Executive Director of Young Diplomats of Canada, a national non-prof…

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Derek Ballantyne talks Future Cities Canada 17:34

6+ y ago17:34

17:34

Derek brings his extensive experience in the development and management of housing to answer our questions on the topic. We talk about the merits of piloting policy in real-life versus the pitfalls of policy from the boardroom, and discuss takeaways from the Future Cities Canada Summit 'Housing for All' panel.…

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Fang-Jui Chang talks Future Cities Canada 14:20

6+ y ago14:20

14:20

Fang shares insights from her experiences leading workshops and meetings that aim to tackle diverse social issues. The aim of her work is to deal with cross-government issues and enhance a better organisational culture from inside to outside of the government.By Muneef Ahmad, Michelle Berquist and Rob Muir

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Claire Hicks talks Future Cities Canada 13:21

7y ago13:21

13:21

Claire Hicks, Program Manager for Future Ready at WSP Canada, shares successes in sustainability. Future Ready is WSPs global innovation program, encouraging staff and clients to see the future more clearly and design for it today. Claire strives to support teams to deliver resilient, sustainable and people-centred project solutions that are prepar…

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Leah Lawrence talks Future Cities Canada 16:19

7y ago16:19

16:19

Leah Lawrence is a lifelong advocate for engineering, entrepreneurship and the environment. The President and CEO of Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) shares behind-the-scenes insights on technology and how 'change management' can be about 'change expectation.' Check her out in 'The Future of Business' panel discussion at the Future …

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Geoff Cape talks Future Cities Canada 13:46

7y ago13:46

13:46

Geoff Cape, is the founder and CEO of Evergreen. Since being founded in 1991, Evergreen has evolved into a national organization focused on integrating people, natural and built worlds, turning spaces into great places. On-site at the inaugural Future Cities Canada Summit, Geoff talks about how lessons learned at the Evergreen Brick Works site can …

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Desmond Cole talks Future Cities Canada 22:24

7y ago22:24

22:24

Desmond Cole, award-winning journalist, activist and author, speaks to the Plangineers on the heels of his opening keynote at the Future Cities Canada Summit, held November 7-9, 2018 at Evergreen Brick Works in Toronto. Click here to see his intriguing presentation. He points to segregation within the City of Toronto and encourages city builders to…

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Future Cities Canada Summit 13:50

7y ago13:50

13:50

Jo Flatt, Senior Lead of Policy & Partnerships at Evergreen speaks to us about the Future Cities Canada Summit. Future Cities Canada is a new national collaborative that aims to accelerate urban innovation to transform cities for the benefit of us all. The Summit takes place from November 7-9, 2018 at Evergreen Brick Works in Toronto.…

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Bloom Where You're Planted 18:50

7y ago18:50

18:50

Alex Lenarduzzi, Water Resources Engineer at Conservation Halton shares her thoughts on the role of the natural environment and how it co-exists with the urban environment. We talk about: Differences and similarities between practice in the public and private sector The lingering impacts of extreme weather and the human stories around such events A…

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From the Archives: Good or Good Enough? 23:06

7+ y ago23:06

23:06

In our second episode ever, "Good, or good enough?" Michelle and Rob discuss how paradigms were broken for the revolutionary Deep Lake Water Cooling system. Our ancestors first form of "district energy," sharing fire in a cave Vancouver's Olympic village district energy system Sustainable development at the Regent Park Revitalization Discussing Enw…

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The Onion of Discontent 16:29

7+ y ago16:29

16:29

The Plangineers talk about the illusions and realities of public consultation. Rob explains the methods by which we gather and consider various points of consideration when undertaking city-building initiatives. Dialogue revolves around engaging early and often. Michelle shares the pizza analogy of consultation. We talk about change management and …

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We're All Settlers 26:14

7+ y ago26:14

26:14

Sheila Boudreau, Senior Landscape Architect at Toronto & Region Conservation Authority, shares stories of teaching, engaging and opening up opportunities for indigenous youth. Sheila speaks to us about: How her experiences have been interwoven to shape what and how she teaches Taking care of the forest in a free-range upbringing Why she has embarke…

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Inspired 23:00

7+ y ago23:00

23:00

The Plangineers, Michelle & Rob, share how their professional fuel often comes from outside their professional lives. We talked about: Voracious reading Understanding people How Ray Dalio's "Idea meritocracy" resonated with Rob Thinking Fast & Slow, in Rob's case about Floods and Flow Finding the strength to put down a book Michelle's reflection ab…

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Rules of Engagement 28:47

7+ y ago28:47

28:47

Helen Noehammer, Director of Transportation & Infrastructure Planning at the City of Mississauga shares her take on pink-handled tools and how soft skills help alongside the hard skills in the engineer's toolbox. Helen talks to us about... How "a little bit of everything" adds up to a lot What happens when "life happens" Changes in the representati…

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The People's (Food) Court 29:59

8y ago29:59

29:59

Lesley Pavan, Director of Design and Development at the City of Mississauga shares her insights into the lifestyle choices on offer in the rapidly urbanizing city where she both works and lives. Lesley speaks to us about... Her path from humble roots on the farm, to geographer and through a municipal journey to her role as Director. Mississauga's e…

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Power to the Sheeple 23:39

8y ago23:39

23:39

The Plangineers talk about ingrained falsehoods and the challenge of living up to our professional duty Factual review of engineering data is found here relating to the fact that storm intensities have not increased Rob shared data and engaged specific outlets to expose falsehoods. In this article from Canadian Underwriter, editors consulted Enviro…

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Like Millenials 24:44

8y ago24:44

24:44

A "Millenial" is defined as someone born between 1981 - 1997. Our Millenial Planner, Michelle, and Gen X-er Engineer Rob, share their perspectives on the topic of the "Millenial experience," and challenge the current narrative. Age-ism is a recurring and troubling theme as is the reality of how it may be ever-present, but simply being dealt with di…

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The Day After Tomorrow? 20:33

8+ y ago20:33

20:33

The Plangineers talk about how the input of technical experts can help round out storytelling to add the "why" to the "who cares?" (Sorry for the confusion in the intro...this is actually episode #5, you're right.) Reporting on the GO Train flooding of 2013 may have exaggerated the frequency of this occurrence Check out Rob's CityFloodMap blog post…

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Dancing About Infrastructure 24:03

8+ y ago24:03

24:03

Episode #4: Dancing About Infrastructure Michelle and Rob reflect on the artistry that reveals our invisible services and why these reminders are an important part of our urban existence Talking about music, is like dancing about architecture. But we'll try dancing about infrastructure anyway Older underground sewers are brick works of art like the…

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A Woman's Place is in the... 24:25

8+ y ago24:25

24:25

At the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage in Ontario, we ask is there a "woman's place" in the Plangineering space? Ontario became the fifth province in Canada to grant women the right to vote on April 12, 1917. This came following more than half a century of activism. Discussing how the controversial dialogue between Jane Jacobs and Robert Mose…

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Good or Good Enough 23:06

8+ y ago23:06

23:06

Episode #2: Good, or good enough? Michelle and Rob, our Plangineers, discuss how paradigms were broken for the revolutionary Deep Lake Water Cooling system. Our ancestors first form of "district energy," sharing fire in a cave Vancouver's Olympic village district energy system Sustainable development at the Regent Park Revitalization Discussing Enw…

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Plangineers 20:17

9y ago20:17

20:17

In the debut podcast, Michelle and Rob talk about what inspired them to urban planning and engineering and why the bridge between their practices is shorter than we think. This month, we talked about: Urban dictionary reference to Plangineer The three pillars of planning: Public Health, Legislation & Architecture Rob's toothpick bridge Discussing h…