Episode
Backpacker Radio's Origin Story, Evolution, and Behind the Scenes with Zach and Chaunce (BPR #360)
- Podcast
- Backpacker Radio
- Published
- Jun 8, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 13279
- Processing state
not_requested
Actions
POST https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/backpacker-radio-228477/episodes/backpacker-radio-s-origin-story-evolution-and-behind-the-scenes-with-zach-and-chaunce-bpr-360/transcription-requests
Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode.GET https://stenobird.com/podcast/backpacker-radio-228477/backpacker-radio-s-origin-story-evolution-and-behind-the-scenes-with-zach-and-chaunce-bpr-360.md
Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource.
Summary
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are bringing you the rare Chaunce and Zach solo pod. In this one, we tell the full origin story of Backpacker Radio, from the unofficial co-host audition at a hiker meetup, to Chaunce showing up at the wrong restaurant on day one, to almost not making it past the early episodes. We get into how our interviewing dynamic has evolved over eight years, the technical disasters of the early days, the team that quietly makes this whole thing work, our all-time favorite guests, the ones we never aired, the dream guests we still haven't landed, and answer a slew of listener questions. We wrap the show with a triple crown of worst ways to die, share the news that apparently Roundup is being sprayed in our national forests, opine on whether we'd rather give up sauces or kissing (and debate whether butter is a sauce), and give an overview on how to negotiate a thru-hiking sabbatical from your employer. Topo Athletic: Use code "TREK15TOPO" at topoathletic.com . Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKERRADIO" for $20 off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com . OnX Backcountry: Use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com [divider] Interview with Chaunce Time stamps & Questions 00:06:15 - Reminders: Support Akuna during his recovery , join us for Chaunce's live podcast sendoff , submit your favorite Chaunce moments or a voicemail for Chaunce , apply to be a co-host , check out our new merch , listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon ! 00:15:05 - Introducing Chaunce 00:17:10 - What was Zach's initial idea for the podcast and how you decided you wanted a co-host? 00:25:42 - What were your first impressions of each other 00:27:48 - What were your expectations for the podcast's longevity and suc…