Podcast by Octavia and Em
27 November 2024
This Thanksgiving, we’re serving up a feast of epic fails on False Summit: Tales, Trails, and Epic Fails! First, in “Party Crashers and Predator Paws,” a solo hike unravels into chaos with a brutal climb, frat-party-style campers, and a hair-raising encounter with a mountain lion. Would you rather face the party—or the predator?
Then, in “On the Edge,” a nerve-wracking scramble through a narrow gorge forces a hiker to lean on strangers and confront their fears. It’s a story of grit, gratitude, and finding your footing when everything feels unsteady.
Whether you're listening while hiking off that pumpkin pie or dodging awkward family dinner conversations, join us for this special holiday episode. And as always, share your tales of trails and fails—we’re thankful for every wild story you send our way!
Marti Shawn @Hippietoanextent / https://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php/114727-Ghost-Stories-Folklore-welcomed
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54:55
20 November 2024
Welcome to False Summit: Tales, Trails, and Epic Fails! This week, Octavia and Em bring you two unforgettable adventures packed with chaos, resilience, and a healthy dose of humor.
First, in Havoc, Horses, and Hiccups, join two travelers navigating Albania’s Peaks of the Balkans. From luggage-hauling horses to steep mountain passes and a surprise cow cameo, it’s a journey of epic views, unexpected obstacles, and a guide who knows how to keep spirits high (with a little help from raki).
Then, in Parched and Found, Spencer and Carey take us on a grueling Yosemite hike with one massive oversight: they forgot their Camelbaks. Facing dehydration and exhaustion, they encounter mysterious Scout “guides” who may or may not be what they seem. Ghosts, hallucinations, or just another epic trail story? You decide.
Stick around for Trail-mix, where Em shares three must-listen tracks and essential trail etiquette tips to stay safe during hunting season.
So, lace up your boots, grab some blaze orange, and prepare for tales of adventure, mishaps, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting.
Got a story or trail fail to share? Hit us up at falsesummit.pod@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram at @falsesummit.
Happy trails—don’t fall off a cliff!
@tripstowalkabout, https://ptavocados.com/valbona-theth/
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01:02:52
13 November 2024
Welcome back to False Summit, where tails, trails, and epic fails keep us climbing. Join Octavia and Em as they dive into two unforgettable stories that capture the essence of outdoor adventure—and the wild mishaps that come with it.
First, in Moon Angel, Angela’s moonlit hike with her loyal pup takes an eerie turn when an unexpected flash of her camera draws a desperate runner out of the dark. What follows is a surreal encounter under the stars that blurs the line between fate and coincidence.
Then, gear up for Frozen Fiasco, a tale that combines the 80s winter camping vibe with one man’s epic standoff against a blizzard—and his own misjudged freeze-dried meal. A blustery blunder turns messy, but the storm has a frosty fix in store, proving that survival in the cold sometimes means laughing at yourself.
After these tales, Em’s “Trail Mix” segment serves up three must-hear songs to fuel your next adventure. Stick around for trail etiquette tips and essentials to pack for your next hike—because even the best-prepared adventurers know there’s always room for an unexpected twist.
Hit play, and let’s get lost in stories of near-misses and unplanned rescues.
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55:37
06 November 2024
In this engaging episode of False Summit, nine-year-old Audriana joins her mom, Octavia, to reflect on their experiences with nature, including a particularly dramatic encounter with fire ants in France. Audriana also shares her thoughts on elements of nature, from the edible to the annoying.
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06:57
06 November 2024
Welcome back to False Summit: Tales, Trails, and Epic Fails! Join hosts Octavia and EM, as they kick off this episode with Octavia's wild adventure trekking through the French Alps – complete with sheer drops, a feisty donkey, and an unexpected showdown with fire ants. From the scenic views to the chaotic mishaps, they’ll cover the highs, the lows, and all the funny moments in between.
Then, we dive into two unforgettable trail tales. First, Em recounts a spine-chilling encounter with two bears in the mountains – a heart-pounding reminder that wilderness life isn’t all serene sunsets and quiet forests. Next, a journey to overcome addiction led to scaling mountains and summiting personal goals, with some unbelievable challenges along the way.
Finally, to wrap it up with “Trail Mix”, a music playlist, and a few essentials to make any hike a bit smoother (or at least more entertaining). Don’t miss the episode’s grand finale, where Octavia and Em share some laugh-worthy trail wisdom and remind us why we keep coming back for more.
If you’ve got your own epic fails or wild stories, reach out to us at falsesummit.pod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram. And as always, remember – out on the trail, anything can happen. See you out there!
https://www.wta.org/news/magazine/features/hiking-and-healing-personal-stories-on-the-power-of-trail
https://www.reddit.com/r/CampingandHiking/comments/q2jyhu/your_most_frightening_experience_while/
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01:01:11
30 October 2024
Join Octavia and Em for a spine-tingling Halloween episode of False Summit, where the eerie wilderness meets chilling true crime. They kick off with some lighthearted chit-chat about costumes and spooky plans before diving into two haunting tales. First, a solo backpacker reflects on a terrifying encounter with a spectral figure while camping alone in the woods, leading to a heart-pounding escape and a shocking revelation about a tragic fire. Then, they recount the harrowing true crime story of Julie Williams and Lollie Winans, whose tragic fate in Shenandoah National Park remained unsolved for nearly three decades—until DNA evidence finally revealed the identity of their killer. Tune in for these chilling narratives, insightful trail tips, and a playlist of haunting tunes to set the mood. Don’t forget to share your own ghost stories and epic fails with them!
https://www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/features/murder-woods-shenandoah-national-park/, https://queeradventurers.com/lesbian-hikers-murder-video/
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56:43