What happens when three women—two of whom had never backpacked overnight—decide to hike 67 miles on the Appalachian Trail with 40-pound packs, all in honor of a grandmother who was forced to walk a similar distance at age 16 when taken by Nazis during WWII?

In this special episode, Lauren Elhajj, Stefanie Flynn, and I share the raw, unfiltered truth of our six-day journey through Shenandoah National Park—complete with trail blisters, false summits, unexpected courage, and the unforgettable “trail magic” that kept us going.

This hike wasn't just a physical challenge; it was a mission. We set out to raise funds for Charity: Water, and thanks to generous supporters, we’ve already raised $3,697 toward building a clean water well for a community in need. (And yes—you can still donate! Just head to https://www.charitywater.org/teams/67miles#).

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why this journey was deeply personal for me, and why all 3 of us took on this challenge
• Expectations vs reality
• The hilarious and humbling reality of camp life (bougie eyelash brushes included & other weird items we brought on the trial)
• Our “scream, spray, stab” defense protocol
• What it's like to hike with marathon runners (when you are not one)
• What the trail taught us about resilience (and wool toe socks with Vaseline!)
• Reflections on the trails we walk—and blaze—for future generations

We came for the cause, but we left changed—more connected, more grounded, and more aware of what really matters. If you’ve ever wondered what you’re capable of when you say yes to something outside your comfort zone, this conversation is for you.

🌍 Donate to our clean water well project here: https://www.charitywater.org/teams/67miles#

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