Alex Head at a viewpoint near Devil's Rest Photo by Adam Sawyer
Last week I interviewed Hike Yeah podcast creator and host Alex Head (part 1). Here is the conclusion of that interview.
There is no shortage of hiking related guide books about the area. It would appear that Portlanders have such a hunger for hiking information that a podcast would be something already in place. Were you surprised that it wasn’t?
"When I started, I couldn’t have told you whether there was a hiking podcast here. I honestly didn’t know much about podcasting. Very soon it became clear that there wasn’t anything like Hike Yeah, and it’s been amazing how my little contribution has been accepted and incorporated into the whole Portland hiking scene. Again, it’s humbling."
In addition to guide books, there are now a number of local online hiking resources such as Portlandhikers.org, NWhiker.com, and your podcast. What role do you see these new online resources playing in the future? What about written media?
"The resources you mentioned will be increasingly valuable as people grow accustomed to crowdsourcing information. There’s always going to be something familiar and comforting about holding a hiking book and thumbing through its pages, but more and more people are willing and able to get this type of material online. What’s different about online information is that it’s dynamic and interactive. Information changes quickly and people can get involved. Those are two very important and differentiating aspects of the online resources. I think what Portlandhikers and NWHiker do well, and what I’m trying to do, is blend storytelling with trail information. Part of this happens in the tone and style of the narrative, and part comes from incorporating various media (photos, maps, descriptions, personal experiences, and what not)."
What projects are you working on now?
"I just unveiled Hike and Learn, a way for me to empower college students or recent graduates who have similar interests to me.
I’m also trying to hike regularly. I have an unofficial goal of 500 miles this year, and I’m trying to go camping at least once a month this year."
How has the response been so far?
"Far larger and far better than I ever expected.
The size of the response is due to PDX.FM running an amazing business—they’ve built a podcast network for which the whole is far larger than the sum of its parts. They’ve been incredibly supportive, and Hike Yeah (while contributing to the growth and success to a certain extent) has benefited significantly from being part of a larger network.
The emotional response to my show has been very humbling. I have no experience with broadcasting or journalism—all I try to bring to my show is an engaging conversation with interesting people. I don’t script episodes, I don’t push products, I don’t try to be professional. People have reacted very kindly to me just being myself."
"Hike Yeah" airs live every Friday at 2 pm PST on PDX.FM. You can subscribe to Alex's podcast on Itunes by clicking here.
For more of Adam's writing, reviews, and photography, visit AdamSawyer.com.
Comments
You're also prompting parents to take children for hikes to beat Obesity! Check out Let's Move.gov and Children's Nature Network for more insights into the higher relevance of what you are humbly working on!
Thanks a bunch Dave. Those are both great sites for parents and kids alike. I agree with you that getting kids outside is one of the best things parents can do for them.
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