S1 E13: The Blissful Pivot: Hiking Through Life's Transitions with Alison Young

In this powerful episode of We Are Women, Unapologetically, host Jessica Cumming sits down with Alison Young, aka The Blissful Hiker, to explore the raw truth behind forced reinvention, invisible loss, and the courage it takes to keep walking — literally and figuratively.A classically trained flutist who lost her ability to play due to a rare neurological disorder, Alison didn’t just survive cancer and job loss — she hiked 5,000 miles solo to reclaim her identity. From the New Zealand Te Araroa to the Pacific Crest Trail, Alison’s story is a testament to choosing curiosity over certainty, growth over comfort, and thriving over simply surviving.If you’re navigating transition, grief, or a loss of identity — this conversation will walk right beside you.

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📅 Episode Chapters & Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro
Welcome to We Are Women, Unapologetically. Meet Alison Young, trained flutist turned long-distance solo hiker.

01:33 – Musical Roots & Unexpected Loss
Alison reflects on her early music career, playing with legends and touring the world—until a neurological condition halted everything.

03:34 – Career Pivot to Radio
She transitions into public radio, becoming a music storyteller on-air for 13 years.

04:45 – The Trail Beckons
Alison begins hiking as emotional healing, leading to a leave of absence to hike New Zealand's 3,000 km Te Araroa trail.

06:00 – Lessons from the Sandflies
Symbolism from New Zealand's infamous insects: keep moving, stay present, and embrace impermanence.

11:19 – Demotion & Identity Crisis
Upon return, Alison is demoted at her radio job. She opens up about grief, reinvention, and the power of support systems.

14:47 – Asking for Help & the Gift of Nourishment
Her breast cancer diagnosis and the life-saving simplicity of asking for help—starting with food.

16:21 – Being Pushed, Not Punished
Alison shares the emotional gut-punch of forced transitions and how she reframed it with support and strategy.

24:00 – The Doomsday Clock & Pacific Crest Trail
Her husband builds a spreadsheet. She plans her next 5-month solo hike across the U.S. west coast.

27:41 – Voiceover, Podcasting & Reinvention in Real Time
Post-hike, Alison launches a new creative life as a voice artist, podcaster, and speaker.

34:02 – Lessons from the Trail
From "embrace the suck" to "the trail will provide," Alison shares thru-hiker wisdom and spiritual truths.

38:08 – Final Message

📈 Key Takeaways:
"I choose to thrive." Why Alison prefers "thriver" over "survivor" and her call for others to step out, 52 weeks a year.

• You don’t need to see the end to take the first step. Reinvention starts with presence.

• Loss (career, identity, health) can be a portal to purpose.

• Community is survival gear. You don’t have to hike alone.

• Ask for help—especially when you think you should be fine.

• Thriving means choosing forward motion, even in uncertainty.

  Download the Official Transcript Here

  
  

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