Trail Talk
Tales from the Scouting Trail. Lessons learned, lessons taught, and advice for everyday life. What's your 'why' for Scouting? Sit down at the campfire with your host, special guests, and other scouters, sharing ideas and thoughts on Scouting in today's world.
Episodes
Trail Talk – Episode 12: The Closing Campfire
In this season finale of Trail Talk, Mr. Mielke invites listeners to gather around the closing campfire and reflect on the journey we’ve shared. From Philmont to porch talks, switchbacks to skits, we revisit the lessons, laughter, and leadership of the trail. This episode is a tribute to the stories we've carried and the ashes we'll pass on—just like those stirred from the fires of Brown...
Trail Talk – Season 1, Episode 11: Clues in the Dark
Some of Scouting’s most powerful moments don’t happen in daylight — they happen in silence, under stars, and one careful step at a time.
In this reflective episode, Mr. Mielke shares personal stories from childhood night hikes in Indiana to staff adventures at Camp Tamarack and meaningful treks with Troop 888 at Little Sioux Scout Ranch. Along the way, we explore how darkness sharp...
Have you ever hiked without a flashlight — and really listened to the trail at night?
In this episode of Trail Talk, Mr. Mielke shares quiet memories and big truths learned under the stars, from the playful days of snipe hunts to the powerful silence of the Hope Trail.
Turn off the lights. Step into the dark. There’s something waiting to be discovered.
🎧 Trail Talk: Clues in the Dark — now streaming wherever you get your podcasts.
Trail Talk – Season 1, Episode 10: GORP
Today’s episode is a ziplock bag of memories — a little sweet, a little salty, and packed with Scouting wisdom from voices across the trail. “GORP” used to stand for Good Old Raisins and Peanuts… but today, it’s Good Old Random Pointers. Hear reflections from leaders, parents, and fellow Scouts about their favorite trail snacks, beloved campgrounds, unforgettable songs, and the lessons the...
GORP: A Trail Mix of Scouting Stories
It’s not just snacks — it’s songs, stories, soggy tents, and shared laughter.In this bonus-style GORP episode, we hear from Scouts and Scouters around thecountry about the memories and trail wisdom they carry. Favorite campgrounds.Legendary skits. That one trail mix ingredient you always reach for. Featuringa special message from Caitlin Lowe of Silver on the Sage — this episodecelebrates the un...
Trail Talk – S1, E9: Chop Wood, Carry Water
There’s a rhythm to Scout life. Some jobs don’t come with recognition or applause — they just need to be done. In this reflective “From the Trail” episode, Mr. Mielke explores two timeless proverbs — “Chop wood, carry water” and “When you carry your own water, you learn the value of everydrop.”
Through stories from Philmont, late-night axe yards, andlessons in water purification, we’ll ...
Not all leadership happens around a campfire. Sometimes,it’s found in the quiet work of gathering wood and carrying water. But in this campfire–style reflection, Mr. Mielke shares stories from the trail — and why the small, consistent actions might be the most powerful leadership lessons of all.
Episode 8 – "The Legend of the Flying Tent"
After 12 rugged days trekking across Philmont, Crew 712-C thought their biggest challenges were behind them. Then... their tent took off. Literally. In this hilarious true story, Mr. Mielke recounts the unbelievable moment when a rogue dust devil launched a Scout tent sky-high, earning a place in Philmont legend and the title of “Flying Tent Crew.” From soaked gear and histor...
"We thought the trek was over… until our tent caught a wind gust and floated for 15 minutes across Philmont. Scouts saw it. Rangers radioed about it. And yes, we have video. This is the story of the Flying Tent—only on Trail Talk."
Episode 7 – Side Hike: Seeking Advice Along the Trail
On this special "side hike" episode of Trail Talk – Leading the Scouting Adventure, we explore the often-overlooked power of advice. Whether you're a Scout, a leader, or somewhere in between, moments of insight from others can help you navigate the unexpected twists in your Scouting journey.
Mr. Mielke reflects on three distinct trail moments:
The Crew Leader’...
In this "side hike" episode of Trail Talk, we explore how Scouting leaders grow through advice—from staff camp check-ins to Scoutmaster/Advisor Coffees to those quick trailside chats that mean more than you think. Leadership starts with listening.
In this special "Morning Hike" episode of Trail Talk, Mr. Mielke takes you on a pre-dawn journey to Mount Phillips at Philmont Scout Ranch, where planning, vision, and trust led to a once-in-a-lifetime sunrise. Through real trail experiences and thoughtful reflection, we explore why leadership — like catching the sunrise — requires intentionality, patience, and readiness. Sometimes you trust what you can see. Sometimes yo...
A sunrise on Mount Phillips. A crew that trusted the plan. Join Mr. Mielke for a Morning Hike about vision, leadership, and the moments worth waking up early to catch. 🌄
On this episode of Trail Talk – Leading the Scouting Adventure, we climb higher—literally and metaphorically—as we follow Crew 712-C on their 2021 Philmont trek toward the Tooth of Time. What begins as a straightforward route turns into a winding journey of detours, delays, unexpected challenges, and ultimately, deep reward. Along the way, Mr. Mielke reflects on the power of switchbacks—not just on the trail, but in leadership and ...
Every leader faces setbacks—and on the trail to the Tooth of Time, so did Crew 712-C. In this episode of Trail Talk, we reflect on how switchbacks, delays, and changes in direction aren’t detours… they’re the path itself. Buckle up your pack and climb with us toward the summit. How do you manage switchbacks and setbacks in leadership?
In this "Gear-Focused" episode of Trail Talk, Mr. Mielke takes listeners on a behind-the-scenes look at the essential gear he tested, toted, and trusted on the trail to Philmont—known in hiking circles as “The Big Three”: backpack, sleeping system, and shelter. But this isn’t just about zippers and straps. It’s a metaphor for leadership.
What "Gear" do you carry as a leader? What tools do you test, trust, and ref...
Gear matters—but so does what it teaches you. In this practical and reflective episode, Mr. Mielke unpacks the “Big Three” of trail gear and the essential traits every Scout leader should carry: integrity, communication, and vision.
In this reflective episode of Trail Talk – Leading the Scouting Adventure, Mr. Mielke shares the story of a simple $6 broomstick purchased at a Cub Scout summer camp—and how, over time, it transformed into a powerful symbol of leadership, growth, and legacy. From that first campout with his son Gavin, the stick collected not only medallions and memories, but life lessons that echo far beyond the trail.
Through storytelling and thoug...
A $6 hiking stick from a summer camp trading post became a symbol of one Scout’s entire journey—and a reminder of how ordinary things can carry extraordinary meaning. In this episode of Trail Talk, Mr. Mielke reflects on leadership, legacy, and the small choices that shape our path. What story will your stick tell?
In this reflective solo episode, Mr. Mielke takes us off the formal leadership trail for a bit—and down a quieter path through memory, tradition, and choice.
We start in a high school English classroom with the legendary Mr. Kasper, whose red pen, Socratic questions, and respect for his students left a lifelong impression. We hear a familiar poem—Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken”—and begin to unpack its meaning through the lens o...
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