PCT Meltdowns, Side Quests, & Animal Encounters, and Traveling to 56 Countries with Michael "Broadway" Grant (BPR #375)

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by onX Backcountry and LMNT, we are joined by Michael "Broadway" Grant, a world traveler who has visited 56 countries, cycled across America, and is currently daily-vlogging his way through the PCT.

In this one, Broadway dives into getting bitten in the face by a six-pound chihuahua while hitching a ride to PCT Trail Days, his terrifying pitch-black 11:00 PM alpine start up Mount Whitney's snow chutes, and his infamous "Day 50" meltdown in the Sierra, where he melted a carbon trekking pole, burned holes through his sleeping bag, found two more in his tent, and sobbed on camera.

We also cover his epic Yosemite side quest featuring last-minute Half Dome permits and hot-tubbing with a park employee, how losing his mother to brain cancer shaped his reasons for being out here, and his hot takes on why catholes beat toilets and why ultralight gear isn't a requirement for thriving on trail.

We wrap the show with Pegleg's tips for covering bigger miles and a shout-out to Trek blogger Brock "Dubs" Miller finishing on Katahdin, a Question of the Day on the absolute worst things we've ever smelled, a Triple Crown of the most annoyed professions in existence, and we give news on a new job opening at The Trek.

OnX Backcountry: Use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com

LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "BPR10" for 10% off shelters at gossamergear.com.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% off at hyperlitemountaingear.com

57 Hours: Use code "TREK100" for $100 off your booking at 57hours.com

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Interview with Michael "Broadway" Grant

• Michael's Instagram
• Michael's Trek Author page

Time stamps & Questions

00:06:55 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, take the 2026 AT Thru-Hiker survey, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:13:04 - Introducing Broadway

00:16:45 - How has working through your thru-hike impacted the experience?

00:17:54 - Tell us about getting bitten in the face by a chihuahua

00:22:14 - Tell us about quitting your job to travel the world for 13 months

00:25:58 - Discussion about the Camino de Santiago and West Highland Way

00:30:13 - How did you get into long distance cycling across America?

00:32:10 - Fuck, marry, kill: thru-hiking, cycling, and adventure travel

00:34:59 - Tell us about the start of your PCT thru-hike

00:38:48 - What's it been like growing your following on Instagram?

00:43:46 - Discussion about Gen Z lingo and gay lingo

00:48:45 - What has it been like being a gay man on the PCT?

00:51:21 - Tell us about your epic Yosemite side quest

00:55:19 - Discussion about masculinity and thru-hiking culture

00:57:47 - How has the PCT given you more time to reflect than other adventures?

01:02:47 - When did grief turn into motivation?

01:06:53 - Discussion about Cheryl Strayed's Wild as inspiration

01:10:01 - Tell us about your terrifying Mount Whitney sunrise side quest

01:14:00 - Tell us about gear you've been loving

01:21:08 - Tell us about your infamous day 50 meltdown in the Sierra

01:28:38 - Discussion about sun hoodies

01:30:00 - Tell us your poop story

01:32:47 - What's been the best 3 day stretch of trail for you?

01:36:19 - Have you met other gay hikers on trail?

01:41:00 - What advice would you offer someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?

01:43:00 - Stay Salty Question: What's your hottest take in the world of backpacking?

Segments

Trek Propaganda:

• I Hiked 27.5 Miles Every Day for a Year: Here's Everything I Did To Thru-Hike Faster by Peg Leg
• Day 154 – This is Where I Leave You by Brock "Dubs" Miller
• Apply to be a Trek social media intern

QOTD: What is the worst thing you've ever smelled?

Triple Crown of the most annoyed professions

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

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