In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Julia Sheehan, known on trail, as Rocket. Julia is a thru-hiker, former Trek Vlogger, social media sensation, nurse, and now a published author. Julia details how impulsive decision-making lead her to the wonderful world that is thru-hiking, inspired in part by everyone’s favorite Hiking Viking. Rocket also shares how health issues ultimately forced her off-trail, the unsavory response she’s gotten from some in the social media sphere in light of “quitting” and subsequently posting non-hiking content. Julia also shares the process in self-publishing her brand new book, Hiking is the Easy Part, a memoir of her thru-hike on the AT.
We wrap the show with some news about Trail Correspondents 2026 edition, the story of a hiker that was found alive at a popular PCT pitstop after being lost in the backcountry for weeks, how much weight people lose during an AT thru-hike (and why it's generally not a good long term weight loss strategy), Chaunce and I have a borderline-impossible coincidence during today's QOTD, and the triple crown of albums.
Topo Athletic: Use code “TREKSPRING15” at topoathletic.com.
Gossamer Gear: Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com.
Ombraz: Use code “BACKPACKER30” for $30 off at ombraz.com/backpacker30.
Betterment: Learn more at betterment.com/trek.
[divider]
Interview with Julia “Rocket” Sheehan
Time stamps & Questions
00:05:30 - Reminders: Sign up for the Trek’s newsletter, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon and apply to blog for the Trek!
00:07:45 - Introducing Rocket
00:08:20 - Tell us about your social media journey
00:15:30 - Did you ever feel like you could make a living from social media?
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