About this episode
Send us a text This week on Hikes & Mics , we caught up with a familiar face: John Mark , last on the show back in 2023 — and a LOT has happened since then. Over the past two years, he’s shifted careers from college professor to full-time court interpreter, giving him the flexibility to chase waterfalls, wander ridgelines, and sneak in micro-adventures between jobs. He’s camped nearly every month for two years straight, endured freezing nights in Savage Gulf , refined his pack system down to a science, and discovered a deep love for the wild pockets of Bankhead National Forest. We talked about the 2024 solar eclipse , wildlife encounters from timber rattlers to raccoons with a sweet tooth. From cold-weather resilience to the magic of chasing new waterfalls, John Mark reminds us that the outdoors has endless lessons waiting for us — if we make the space for them. Episode Links: John Mark on Instagram John Mark on Facebook This episode was Produced by Jordyn Smith, follow her on Instagram @jordyn.journeys Follow us on Instagram, @Hikesandmics AllTrails+ I'm excited to share that I’m now a Trailheads Ambassador for AllTrails+ ! If you love exploring the outdoors, AllTrails+ is your ultimate adventure companion. Get offline maps , real-time wrong-turn alerts , and trail previews to help you hike smarter and safer. Plus, with 3D maps and deeper trail insights , planning your next trek has never been easier. Try AllTrails+ free for 7 days , and when you sign up using my referral link, you’ll get 30% off your AllTrails+ membership ! Sign up here: AllTrails+ (promo is only redeemable via web and not the app) 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.