S14 - Episode #08 - Ken Posner
Ken Posner “Barefoot Ken”, @long_brown_path
What happens when you strip away the gear, the gadgets — and even the shoes? Barefoot Ken is here to show us.
Meet Ken Posner, also known as Barefoot Ken — ultramarathoner, analyst, author, and the man quietly redefining what it means to connect with nature, one shoeless summit at a time. In this episode, Ken traces his journey from Chicago city kid to barefoot adventurer, sharing how a single book — Born to Run — inspired him to ditch his shoes at age 50 and never really look back.
We cover it all: how the Catskills Grid (35 peaks × 12 months = 420 summits) became his modern-day pilgrimage, what it took to complete the John Muir Trail barefoot across three attempts, the meaning behind a barefoot summit of Tsoodzil— a sacred Navajo peak in New Mexico — and why his 1,000 Barefoot Mountains goal (currently at 632!) is more than just a number.
Ken also opens up about his minimalist "stretch the rubber band" philosophy, what our hunter-gatherer ancestors can teach us about slowing down on trail, and the surprisingly honest Appendix C in Chasing the Grid — a full catalog of his lifetime running injuries and what they taught him.
Episode Links:
Barefoot Ken on Instagram
Barefoot Ken's Website
Barefoot Ken on X
Purchase Chasing the Grid
This episode was Produced by Jordyn Smith, follow her on Instagram @jordyn.journeys
Follow us on Instagram, @Hikesandmics
This episode's music was created by Ketsa, follow him on Instagram @Ketsamusic
Episode Sponsor(s):
Ursa Minor Outfitters - Inspired by the outdoors, Created by local artists
Go check them at www.ursaminoroutfitters.com and don’t forget to enter the promo code HikesMics10 at checkout to receive 10% off your order.
FlipSockz will keep Mother Nature out of your boots with their innovative nylon sleeve.
To get your first pair visit www.FlipSockz.com and enter the promo code HikesMics10 at checkout to receive 10% off your order.
Outdoorsy
An RV marketplace for consumers and pros.
Lots of folks own RVs. Lots of folks want to rent RVs. Outdoorsy is how they meet.
They’re the most comprehensive platform for outdoor travelers to rent stylish awesome RVs in the nation. Their selection spans vintage Airstreams, toy haulers, fifth wheelers, Class A, B, and C of RVs, as well as garden variety trailers and motorhomes.
Outdoorsy is safe, easy, fully insured, and has a great local selection. They’re free to join and have no membership fees of any kind. Discover amazing RVs to travel in - or rent out your own!
Visit www.outdoorsy.com to book your next adventure rig now!
