đ No One Walks the Trail Alone
This week, we sit down with George Eshelman â U.S. Army veteran, three-time Appalachian Trail finisher, and the real-life subject of The Keeper film. George shares his raw and powerful story of how hiking the AT â while carrying over 300 name tapes of fallen brothers and sisters â became both a memorial and a turning point in his own battle with PTSD.
From moments of connection with strangers on the trail to the life-saving realization that âyouâre not alone,â George opens up about resilience, healing, and the role the outdoors can play in saving lives.
đş The Keeper is streaming now on Prime, Tubi, and YouTube.
â ď¸ Content Warning: This episode contains candid discussions of suicide, PTSD, and sexual assault related to military service. Some of the stories shared may be distressing for certain listeners. Please listen with care and take breaks if needed.
If you're a veteran in crisisâor anyone in need of supportâhelp is available. Dial 988 and press 1 to connect with the Veterans Crisis Line, 24/7.
You are not alone.
Episode Links:
George on Instagram
The Keeper Movie on Instagram
The Keeper Movie Website
The Keeper Movie Facebook
This episode was Produced by Jordyn Smith, follow her on Instagram @jordyn.journeys
Follow us on Instagram, @Hikesandmics
This episode's music was created by Ketsa, follow him on Instagram @Ketsamusic
AllTrails+
I'm excited to share that Iâm now a Trailheads Ambassador for AllTrails+! If you love exploring the outdoors, AllTrails+ is your ultimate adventure companion. Get offline maps, real-time wrong-turn alerts, and trail previews to help you hike smarter and safer. Plus, with 3D maps and deeper trail insights, planning your next trek has never been easier.
Try AllTrails+ free for 7 days, and when you sign up using my referral link, youâll get 30% off your AllTrails+ membership!
Sign up here: AllTrails+ (promo is only redeemable via web and not the app)
Ursa Minor Outfitters - Inspired by the outdoors, Created by local artists
Go check them at www.ursaminoroutfitters.com and donât forget to enter the promo code HikesMics10 at checkout to receive 10% off your order.
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Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
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