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Trailblazing Women: Art, Adventure & Inspiration with Bridgette Mongeon
Season 1 · Episode 114

Trailblazing Women: Art, Adventure & Inspiration with Bridgette Mongeon

Just Hyke: For Women Who Are Ready to Hike Their Way to Strength, Confidence, and Adventure · Melanie @ Just Hyke

October 27, 20251h 6m

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Show Notes

Guest: Bridgette Mongeon — Artist, Author & Founder of the Houston Women’s Hiking Group Host: Melanie Michaelchuk, CPT-NASM | Just Hyke

Episode Overview

In this inspiring episode, Melanie sits down with Bridgette Mongeon, an accomplished sculptor, author, and community leader who brings together art, nature, and empowerment in truly trailblazing ways.

Bridgette shares the story behind her commissioned bronze sculptures of Grandma Gatewood, the first woman to solo thru-hike the Appalachian Trail - one statue destined for the AT, and the other for Ohio, Grandma Gatewood’s home state.

We also talk about how Bridgette founded the Houston Women’s Hiking Group, now more than 18,000 strong, and what it means to create spaces where women can find connection, confidence, and courage on the trail.

Topics We Explore

  • The creative process behind the Grandma Gatewood bronze sculptures
  • What inspired the founding of the Houston Women’s Hiking Group
  • How art and nature intersect as healing and empowering forces
  • The legacy of Grandma Gatewood and what she continues to teach us today
  • Why showing up - in art, in hiking, and in life - matters

Connect with Bridgette

Grandma Gatewood Tribute Project — every share and donation helps bring this incredible tribute to life.

Learn more: grandmagatewood.com/statue-project

Donate: GoFundMe – Grandma Gatewood Tribute Statue

Connect with Just Hyke

“Grandma Gatewood proved that it’s never too late to take the first step — and Bridgette is showing us how to keep walking with purpose.”

If this episode inspired you, share it with a friend who loves hiking, art, or stories of strong women making a difference. Don’t forget to leave a review — it helps other trailblazers find our community!