About this episode
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by CDT thru-hikers and TikTok celebrities, Renee and Tim. The duo gives us a rundown on their recent CDT trek, the trail and backpacking scene around Germany, where they currently reside, and we go in-depth about their rise to fame on TikTok, including how the platform's culture differs from Instagram, their methodology in posting catchy content, and how their fame impacted their CDT thru-hike. We wrap the show with a triple crown of childhood crushes, Chaunce and Badger give a quick update on our state of the union for backpacking footwear, and we learn about a new documentary from a former Backpacker Radio guest. IndexIQ: You no longer need to choose between supporting the environment and investing in your financial future. Visit clnretf.com today! Be sure to read IndexIQ information below before investing. Gossamer Gear discount code: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at Gossamergear.com . 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[divider] Interview with Renee & Tim Time stamps & Questions 00:03:38 - QOTD: What's the most cringey pick-up line? 00:06:34 - Introducing Renee & Tim 00:07:06 - What is your hiking resume? 00:07:56 - How did you land in Germany? 00:08:35 - Were you intentionally searching for international jobs? 00:09:28 - Is the university system in Germany fee? 00:10:06 - Are there any other stark differences between universities? 00:10:53 - Were you avid hikers before the PCT? 00:11:48 - Where in the Chicago area are you from? 00:12:11 - How long have you been together? 00:12:22 - Where did you go to school? 00:13:18 - Why the CDT and not the AT? 00:14:30 - Can you share about the alternates of the CDT? 00:15:53 - Are there areas where the alternates are considered better than others? 00:17:04 - Did you have to battle any snow? 00:18:39 - Would you recommend staying off the Facebook pages? 00:19:13 - What were you using for Beta? 00:21:25 - Were you fairly comfortable with the snow on the CDT? 00:22:13 - Do you know the backstory of the "Dirty Money" name? 00:22:57 - Where in Wisconsin are you from, Renee? 00:23:19 - Did you encounter any life-threatening weather? 00:25:11 - How do the extremes compare between PCT to CDT? 00:26:52 - Tell us the story about your water story! 00:28:47 - What was your water carrying strategy? 00:31:14 - Did you get used to drinking out of cow tanks? 00:34:53 - Tell us about the wildlife you saw 00:38:38 - Were you filming for TikTok? 00:39:20 - Were you TikToking prior to your CDT hike? 00:40:50 - How produced are the videos? 00:42:45 - How many of your videos are pointing to text boxes? 00:44:18 - Did your large following impact your hike? 00:44:49 - Did it ever get to be too much? 00:45:33 - Were people meeting you in upcoming towns? 00:46:51 - Are you getting the same fan behavior in Germany? 00:47:40 - Tell us a little more about your business 00:49:38 - Are you seeing good traction from your TikTok fame? 00:50:45 - What was the response from the hiking community? 00:55:34 - What demographic do you reach on TikTok? 00:56:54 - How often do you run into people that offer you drinks? 00:57:32 - What advice do you have for people looking to grow on TikTok? 00:59:15 - Is Germany going through COVID challenges right now? 01:00:48 - Do you see similarities between Florida and Germany? 01:02:02 - What trails would you recommend in Germany? 01:04:27 - What is the backpacking/hiking culture like in Germany? 01:06:23 - If work weren't a tether, would you still be in Germany? 01:07:46 - Any 2022 hiking plans? 01:09:39 - Thank you Tim & Renee! SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda Breaking Trail, Film About Emily Ford's Ice Age Trail Thru-Hike, Premiers at BANFF Festival Pics Or It Didn't Happen: Is Social Media Ruining Thru-Hiking? Triple crown of childhood crushes Mailbag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross . Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify , Stitcher , and Google Play . Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek , Chaunce , Badger , and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Ausen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Patrick Cianciolo, Brandon Spilker and Matt Soukup. 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