I’ve known my guest Wes Robinson for more than a decade, beginning when we started at our new jobs together at PennLive/The Patriot News.

When it comes to friends, I tend to seek out fun, critical thinkers. Someone that can challenge me and make me laugh. Someone who will get right to the line and roundly cross it. Someone who has a strong moral character and a diabolical sense of humor.

After I left journalism, I worked to bring Wes with me to the Pennsylvania Senate. He joined me at the Capitol for several years. We’d see each other at press conferences, events and at our semi-regular “journalism survivors guild” lunch.

Then in 2021, Wes took an amazing opportunity to become the press secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

During that same time, I decided to run a mile in all then 121 Pennsylvania State Parks. So, as I was discovering the outdoors, Wes was doing much of the same thing professionally.

Wes was one of only three people to joined me on my 121 In 21 Challenge. On a sweltering day in July, Wes ran one mile at seven state parks with me. It was yet another example of him being a great supporter and going the extra mile – so to speak – for a friend.

As I was developing this podcast in 2022, I knew its success depended on whether I could get guests. From the very beginning, Wes worked hard to make sure I was able to find guests that would highlight our amazing outdoor spaces.

Wes is the sort of person that loves seeing his friends succeed. And he’ll do as much as he can to introduce you to the right people, send the email to the right organization or bring you along to a networking event. Not to curry favors. Not to make himself look good. But to make you look good.

This podcast would not exist without Wes. His generosity, hard work and legitimacy in the outdoor space is the only reason I can make Hemlocks to Hellbenders.

So, what is this episode about? How awesome Wes is? A little. What work is going on at DCNR? Absolutely.

But it’s also about two friends whose journey of falling in love with the outdoors is connected. It’s about what can be done with the right people at the right time. And it’s about what we can all do to support each other and our wonderful public lands.

On this episode, I speak with Wes Robinson. Wes is the press secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and my very good friend.

Be sure to support our 2025 sponsors:
Keystone Trails Association
Purple Lizard Maps
Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation
Sisters' Sunflowers

Support the show

Visit our website to learn more about the podcast, to purchase merch and to find out about our incredible sponsors. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected.

Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen
Music: Jon Sauer
Graphics: Matt Davis

Point State Park stands as the crowned jewel of downtown Pittsburgh. It is a lush, 36-acre greenspace nestled at the historic confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers, where the mighty Ohio River is born.

Point State Park is a focal point for community gatherings, festivals and celebrations. It provides sweeping views of the city’s skyline and serves as a tranquil urban escape.

The Point has become the place you bring your out of town parents to. The place you see on TV during all home games for the Pirates and Steelers. The place you see from atop of the iconic Duquesne Incline.

But it hasn’t always been that way.

Before it was Point State Park, it was known as the Forks of the Ohio River and served as a critical military strong hold for the French, British, Native American and American militaries. Fort Prince George, Fort Duquesene and Fort Pitt were all – at one time or another – located where the state park stands.

Overtime the Point developed into a thriving industrial zone, a place dedicated to supplying resources for the growing United States of America.

But by the 1930s, the area had deteriorated into a commercial slum. City and state officials stepped up and completely changed the property.

More than just a park, the Point is a testament to Pittsburgh’s ability to reinvent itself while honoring its roots and is a powerful symbol of Pittsburgh’s resilience, history and natural beauty.

As the gateway to the city and the heart of its downtown, Point State Park doesn’t just represent Pittsburgh—it is Pittsburgh.

On this episode, I speak with Jack Lachendro. Jack is the Environmental Education Specialist at Point State Park.

Be sure to support our 2025 sponsors:
Keystone Trails Association
Purple Lizard Maps
Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation
Sisters' Sunflowers

Support the show

Visit our website to learn more about the podcast, to purchase merch and to find out about our incredible sponsors. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected.

Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen
Music: Jon Sauer
Graphics: Matt Davis

Many of us find our love for the outdoors the same way – with a hike. A short jaunt into the woods that brings us in touch with nature. But soon, short hikes just won’t do. There’re too many people. Too many screaming kids. Too much car traffic.

So, the only logical next step is to take longer hikes. 2 miles turns into 5 miles, turns into 10 miles. The peaceful solitude of the woods, the rewarding views from a summit and the sense of accomplishment after completing a trail all contribute to a growing desire to spend even more time immersed in nature.

As that passion grows, the idea of longer backpacking trips becomes more appealing. The ability to stay in the wilderness overnight offers a deeper connection to the outdoors.

Gone are the easy hikes. Now you’re planning multi-day journeys that require you to learn additional skills. You learn how to read maps. You develop a sleeping system. You figure out how to poop outside.

Soon, you’re watching ultralight gear videos on YouTube and drooling over maps of the Appalachian Trail. All of your clothes are hiking clothes and full transformation to granola gang is complete.

For some, the progression from day hiker to backpacker is a natural one. But for many, myself included, it can be intimidating. Going from hiking around a lake to hiking for several days is a difficult hurdle – mentally and physically.

But where do I start? What gear do I need? What hikes should I try? How can I go from a day hiker to a backpacker safely?

Well since I’m still a backpacking noob, I decided to talk to the person that was once in my hiking shoes.

On this episode, I speak with Tory Mather. Tory is the voice behind the My Trails Are Many blog and @ToryTalksTrails accounts on social media.

Be sure to support our 2025 sponsors:
Keystone Trails Association
Purple Lizard Maps
Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation
Sisters' Sunflowers

Support the show

Visit our website to learn more about the podcast, to purchase merch and to find out about our incredible sponsors. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected.

Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen
Music: Jon Sauer
Graphics: Matt Davis