Listen "UC 424: From Mexico to Canada: Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail with Daniel McKinnon"
Episode Synopsis
In this adventure-filled episode, Cyndi and Kim sit down with Daniel, a 36-year-old travel enthusiast and content creator, to unpack his extraordinary 4.5-month hike of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), a 4,260km journey from Mexico to Canada. Daniel shares the highs and lows of the trail, the physical and mental resilience it required, and the personal epiphanies it inspired.
They explore the deeper motivations behind long-distance hiking, Daniel’s passion for storytelling and content creation, and the emotional impact of solitude and nature. The trio also discusses trail safety, hiking gear, wildlife encounters, and how to stay present while facing discomfort and uncertainty.
From practical advice to philosophical reflections, this conversation is a reminder of the power of action, adventure, and personal growth.
Key Topics Covered
Daniel’s start at the Mexican border and 4.5-month journey to Canada
Mental and emotional challenges on the Pacific Crest Trail
The importance of solitude, presence, and self-reflection in nature
Trail angels, wildlife encounters, and night hiking
How Daniel met his hiking partner Cam and their shared love of AFL
Advice on safety, gear, and resupply logistics
The idea of turning his story into a book
Struggles with creativity and using AI to support storytelling
Hiking plans for the Great Ocean Walk and the Great Southwest Walk
Reflections on fear, faith, mortality, and purpose
Resources & Mentions
Trail App: Far Out
Book Reference: Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Daniel’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielmck17/
Brand Partnership: Altra Running
Quotable Moments
“We often wait for the perfect moment. The trail taught me to just begin.”
“Discomfort doesn’t mean something’s wrong—it means something’s happening.”
“Fear of death drives me to fully live.”
Cyndi O’Meara Links
Website – https://thenutrition.academy/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/cyndiomeara/
https://www.instagram.com/thenutrition_academy/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/cyndi.lovetto
https://www.facebook.com/thechnutritionacademy
Kim Morrison Links
Website – https://www.kimmorrison.com/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/kimmorrison28/
https://www.instagram.com/twenty.8.essential/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/KimMorrisonTraining
https://www.facebook.com/twenty8essentials
They explore the deeper motivations behind long-distance hiking, Daniel’s passion for storytelling and content creation, and the emotional impact of solitude and nature. The trio also discusses trail safety, hiking gear, wildlife encounters, and how to stay present while facing discomfort and uncertainty.
From practical advice to philosophical reflections, this conversation is a reminder of the power of action, adventure, and personal growth.
Key Topics Covered
Daniel’s start at the Mexican border and 4.5-month journey to Canada
Mental and emotional challenges on the Pacific Crest Trail
The importance of solitude, presence, and self-reflection in nature
Trail angels, wildlife encounters, and night hiking
How Daniel met his hiking partner Cam and their shared love of AFL
Advice on safety, gear, and resupply logistics
The idea of turning his story into a book
Struggles with creativity and using AI to support storytelling
Hiking plans for the Great Ocean Walk and the Great Southwest Walk
Reflections on fear, faith, mortality, and purpose
Resources & Mentions
Trail App: Far Out
Book Reference: Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Daniel’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielmck17/
Brand Partnership: Altra Running
Quotable Moments
“We often wait for the perfect moment. The trail taught me to just begin.”
“Discomfort doesn’t mean something’s wrong—it means something’s happening.”
“Fear of death drives me to fully live.”
Cyndi O’Meara Links
Website – https://thenutrition.academy/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/cyndiomeara/
https://www.instagram.com/thenutrition_academy/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/cyndi.lovetto
https://www.facebook.com/thechnutritionacademy
Kim Morrison Links
Website – https://www.kimmorrison.com/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/kimmorrison28/
https://www.instagram.com/twenty.8.essential/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/KimMorrisonTraining
https://www.facebook.com/twenty8essentials
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UC 419: The Evolution and Challenges of Natural Health Education in Australia with Martin Stone
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UC 418: The Courage to Question: Dr. Charlie Teo’s Journey Through Medicine and Controversy
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