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The Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show

The Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show

Welcome to THE home of Grand Canyon hiking.

hiKin

136 episodesEN

Show overview

The Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show has been publishing since 2023, and across the 3 years since has built a catalogue of 136 episodes, alongside 12 trailers or bonus episodes. That works out to roughly 95 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a weekly cadence, with the show now in its 3rd season.

Episodes typically run thirty-five to sixty minutes — most land between 29 min and 56 min — though episode length varies meaningfully from one episode to the next. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language Health & Fitness show.

The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed yesterday, with 23 episodes already out so far this year. The busiest year was 2024, with 55 episodes published. Published by hiKin.

Episodes
136
Running
2023–2026 · 3y
Median length
43 min
Cadence
Weekly

From the publisher

Welcome to THE home of Grand Canyon hiking. If it happens below the rim—from short day hikes to Rim2Rims and beyond—you'll learn all the tips and tricks to have your safest and most memorable Grand Canyon experience. Host Brian Speciale brings you stories of triumph, tragedy, and trail-won wisdom—told by first-timers, seasoned vets, and Canyon insiders alike. But don't just take our word for it; here's what our listeners say: “I am continually inspired by the guests and the vulnerability of everyone to share their story—so others can learn and make their own.” Whether you're planning Rim2Rim or just dreaming of hiking the Grand Canyon, this is the podcast that prepares you—mind, body, and spirit. “An invaluable resource.” "Brian and the community he has curated is such a welcoming place and wealth of information." “It’s the perfect mix of inspiration, realistic caution, and tips for success.” 🎧 New episodes weekly 👣 Join the conversation in the hiKin Grand Canyon private group on Facebook

Latest Episodes

View all 136 episodes

Canyon Confessions 3: Why Your Food Plan Will FAIL On A Grand Canyon Hike

Aug 26, 202621 min

Ep115: The Complete Grand Canyon Rim-to-River Guide: South Kaibab-Phantom Ranch-Bright Angel

Aug 19, 20261h 9m

Canyon Confessions 2: What Fit Hikers STILL Get Wrong

Aug 12, 202617 min

Ep114: A Grand Canyon Near-Death Experience: Heat Stroke, The ICU, And Learning To Walk Again With Maddie Mineer

Aug 5, 202639 min

Ep113: The Dangerous Gap Between FIT and READY For Grand Canyon Hikes With Steve Martin

Jul 29, 202651 min

Why Grand Canyon's BEST Training Exercise Looks Completely BACKWARD | A Coach Arnie Q&A

Jul 24, 202657 min

Canyon Confessions 1: The Canyon DOESN’T CARE How Ready You THINK You Are

Jul 22, 202619 min

Ep112: Avoiding Mistakes That Can Kill Grand Canyon Hikers With Park PSAR Leader Meghan Smith

Jul 15, 202659 min

Ep111: HELICOPTER FOR TWO! How One Bad Step Changed A Grand Canyon Hike

Jul 8, 202647 min

Ep110: You're NOT Too Old Or Too ANYTHING To Hike Grand Canyon

Jun 10, 202644 min

Ep109 — Rim to River on the South Rim’s Toughest Trail (Plus a River Rescue!)

Apr 15, 202633 min

S3 Ep 108Ep108 — Called by the Canyon: An Aussie's Rim-to-River Story

When Shannon Stirling from Sydney, Australia got a last-minute invitation to join friends in Las Vegas, he started asking a different question: how far is the Grand Canyon? Just weeks later, inspired by The Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show and advice from Coach Arnie, Shannon set out on a rim-to-river adventure down South Kaibab to the Colorado River and back out of the canyon. Along the way he battled self-doubt, drew inspiration from a fallen friend, and discovered just how powerful the canyon experience can be.*****Our new hiking packs are here! Our signature Rim2Rim Pack is back, along with the new Canyon Elite 25, which takes the same features that made the Rim2Rim Pack famous — namely its front pockets and insulated hydration pocket — and adds a much-requested hip belt to make it even easier to dial in your fit. Find out more and order yours at hiKin.club. Supplies are limited, so be sure to check it out today.*****Please join Hike Club Grand Canyon on Facebook by clicking here. This is the official group of the Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show, and it's a judgment-free zone full of interaction, information, and inspiration—it's simply THE place to get the best information in advance of your Canyon adventure. Join Brian, Coach Arnie, and most of the guests you've heard on the show in an environment created to answer your questions and help you have the best possible experience below the rim. It's completely free.*****Bright Angel Outfitters is now hiKin, where hiking meets kinship to form a community of like-minded hikers dedicated to helping each other hike our best hike. It's about all of us. *****To reach Coach Arnie, you can call or text him (yes, really!) at (602) 390-9144 or send him a message on Instagram @painfreearnie.*****Have an idea for the show, or someone you think would be a great guest? Reach out to Brian anytime at [email protected].*****The Grand Canyon Shade Tracker is our gift to the Grand Canyon hiking community. This incredible interactive tool lets you see when and where you'll have precious shade on your Grand Canyon hike—every route on every hour of every day of the year. Check it out at gcshadetracker.com. Another free resource from hiKin aimed at making your Grand Canyon adventure the best and safest it can be.*****For more great Grand Canyon content, please check us out on the following platforms:YouTube (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for informative and inspirational videosInstagram (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for photos from the trailTikTok (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for fun and informative short-form videosFacebook (@GrandCanyonHikerDude)

Apr 8, 202645 min

S3 Ep 107Ep107 — Surprise! North Kaibab is Reopening May 15 — But Should You Count On Rim-to-Rim In 2026??

One week after the National Park Service announced a May 15 reopening for the North Kaibab Trail, hikers are scrambling to rethink plans once thought impossible this year. But beneath the excitement lies a different reality — burned terrain, debris flow damage, ongoing reconstruction, and a trail environment that may take years to stabilize. In this episode, Brian walks through the full timeline of events following the Dragon Bravo Fire and explains why preparation, flexibility, and realistic expectations matter more than ever for anyone considering a Rim-to-Rim this season.*****Our new hiking packs are here! Our signature Rim2Rim Pack is back, along with the new Canyon Elite 25, which takes the same features that made the Rim2Rim Pack famous — namely its front pockets and insulated hydration pocket — and adds a much-requested hip belt to make it even easier to dial in your fit. Find out more and order yours at hiKin.club. Supplies are limited, so be sure to check it out today.*****Please join Hike Club Grand Canyon on Facebook by clicking here. This is the official group of the Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show, and it's a judgment-free zone full of interaction, information, and inspiration—it's simply THE place to get the best information in advance of your Canyon adventure. Join Brian, Coach Arnie, and most of the guests you've heard on the show in an environment created to answer your questions and help you have the best possible experience below the rim. It's completely free.*****Bright Angel Outfitters is now hiKin, where hiking meets kinship to form a community of like-minded hikers dedicated to helping each other hike our best hike. It's about all of us. *****To reach Coach Arnie, you can call or text him (yes, really!) at (602) 390-9144 or send him a message on Instagram @painfreearnie.*****Have an idea for the show, or someone you think would be a great guest? Reach out to Brian anytime at [email protected].*****The Grand Canyon Shade Tracker is our gift to the Grand Canyon hiking community. This incredible interactive tool lets you see when and where you'll have precious shade on your Grand Canyon hike—every route on every hour of every day of the year. Check it out at gcshadetracker.com. Another free resource from hiKin aimed at making your Grand Canyon adventure the best and safest it can be.*****For more great Grand Canyon content, please check us out on the following platforms:YouTube (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for informative and inspirational videosInstagram (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for photos from the trailTikTok (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for fun and informative short-form videosFacebook (@GrandCanyonHikerDude)

Apr 1, 202624 min

S3 Ep 106Ep106 — Grand Canyon Rim-to-River Breakdown (Part 2): Bright Angel, South Kaibab & More

In Part 2 of our Rim-to-River Breakdown, we turn to the Grand Canyon’s corridor trails and the classic rim-to-river routes most hikers take. Brian and Eric Nelson break down the Tanner Trail as well as the traditional South Kaibab to Bright Angel route, discussing distance, elevation, strategy, and what makes each experience unique. If you’re planning your first rim-to-river hike, this episode will help you understand your options.*****Our new hiking packs are here! Our signature Rim2Rim Pack is back, along with the new Canyon Elite 25, which takes the same features that made the Rim2Rim Pack famous — namely its front pockets and insulated hydration pocket — and adds a much-requested hip belt to make it even easier to dial in your fit. Find out more and order yours at hiKin.club. Supplies are limited, so be sure to check it out today.*****Please join Hike Club Grand Canyon on Facebook by clicking here. This is the official group of the Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show, and it's a judgment-free zone full of interaction, information, and inspiration—it's simply THE place to get the best information in advance of your Canyon adventure. Join Brian, Coach Arnie, and most of the guests you've heard on the show in an environment created to answer your questions and help you have the best possible experience below the rim. It's completely free.*****Bright Angel Outfitters is now hiKin, where hiking meets kinship to form a community of like-minded hikers dedicated to helping each other hike our best hike. It's about all of us. *****To reach Coach Arnie, you can call or text him (yes, really!) at (602) 390-9144 or send him a message on Instagram @painfreearnie.*****Have an idea for the show, or someone you think would be a great guest? Reach out to Brian anytime at [email protected].*****The Grand Canyon Shade Tracker is our gift to the Grand Canyon hiking community. This incredible interactive tool lets you see when and where you'll have precious shade on your Grand Canyon hike—every route on every hour of every day of the year. Check it out at gcshadetracker.com. Another free resource from hiKin aimed at making your Grand Canyon adventure the best and safest it can be.*****For more great Grand Canyon content, please check us out on the following platforms:YouTube (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for informative and inspirational videosInstagram (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for photos from the trailTikTok (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for fun and informative short-form videosFacebook (@GrandCanyonHikerDude)

Mar 25, 202643 min

S3 Ep 105Ep105 — Grand Canyon Rim-to-River Breakdown (Part 1): Choosing Your Route

Most Grand Canyon hikers stick to the corridor trails—but there’s an entire world of rim-to-river routes beyond Bright Angel and South Kaibab. In Part 1 of our Rim-to-River Breakdown, Brian and Eric Nelson explore the off-corridor routes from the South Rim, including Hermit and New Hance. From trailfinding challenges to the isolation of seeing no one all day, this episode dives into what makes these routes some of the most adventurous hikes in the canyon.*****Our new hiking packs are here! Our signature Rim2Rim Pack is back, along with the new Canyon Elite 25, which takes the same features that made the Rim2Rim Pack famous — namely its front pockets and insulated hydration pocket — and adds a much-requested hip belt to make it even easier to dial in your fit. Find out more and order yours at hiKin.club. Supplies are limited, so be sure to check it out today.*****Please join Hike Club Grand Canyon on Facebook by clicking here. This is the official group of the Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show, and it's a judgment-free zone full of interaction, information, and inspiration—it's simply THE place to get the best information in advance of your Canyon adventure. Join Brian, Coach Arnie, and most of the guests you've heard on the show in an environment created to answer your questions and help you have the best possible experience below the rim. It's completely free.*****Bright Angel Outfitters is now hiKin, where hiking meets kinship to form a community of like-minded hikers dedicated to helping each other hike our best hike. It's about all of us. *****To reach Coach Arnie, you can call or text him (yes, really!) at (602) 390-9144 or send him a message on Instagram @painfreearnie.*****Have an idea for the show, or someone you think would be a great guest? Reach out to Brian anytime at [email protected].*****The Grand Canyon Shade Tracker is our gift to the Grand Canyon hiking community. This incredible interactive tool lets you see when and where you'll have precious shade on your Grand Canyon hike—every route on every hour of every day of the year. Check it out at gcshadetracker.com. Another free resource from hiKin aimed at making your Grand Canyon adventure the best and safest it can be.*****For more great Grand Canyon content, please check us out on the following platforms:YouTube (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for informative and inspirational videosInstagram (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for photos from the trailTikTok (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for fun and informative short-form videosFacebook (@GrandCanyonHikerDude)

Mar 18, 202643 min

S3 Ep 104Ep104 — Life on the Grand Canyon Trail Crew: The Toughest Job You'll Never See

What’s it really like to work on a Grand Canyon trail crew? In Part 2 of our conversation with Grand Canyon Trails Supervisor Adam Gibson, we go inside the day-to-day life of the crews who build and maintain the canyon’s trails. From moving 400-pound stones by hand to living weeks at a time deep in the canyon, Adam explains why trail work is both a craft and a lifestyle—and why you truly have to “like to suffer” to do it.*****Our new hiking packs are here! Our signature Rim2Rim Pack is back, along with the new Canyon Elite 25, which takes the same features that made the Rim2Rim Pack famous — namely its front pockets and insulated hydration pocket — and adds a much-requested hip belt to make it even easier to dial in your fit. Find out more and order yours at hiKin.club. Supplies are limited, so be sure to check it out today.*****Please join Hike Club Grand Canyon on Facebook by clicking here. This is the official group of the Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show, and it's a judgment-free zone full of interaction, information, and inspiration—it's simply THE place to get the best information in advance of your Canyon adventure. Join Brian, Coach Arnie, and most of the guests you've heard on the show in an environment created to answer your questions and help you have the best possible experience below the rim. It's completely free.*****Bright Angel Outfitters is now hiKin, where hiking meets kinship to form a community of like-minded hikers dedicated to helping each other hike our best hike. It's about all of us. *****To reach Coach Arnie, you can call or text him (yes, really!) at (602) 390-9144 or send him a message on Instagram @painfreearnie.*****Have an idea for the show, or someone you think would be a great guest? Reach out to Brian anytime at [email protected].*****The Grand Canyon Shade Tracker is our gift to the Grand Canyon hiking community. This incredible interactive tool lets you see when and where you'll have precious shade on your Grand Canyon hike—every route on every hour of every day of the year. Check it out at gcshadetracker.com. Another free resource from hiKin aimed at making your Grand Canyon adventure the best and safest it can be.*****For more great Grand Canyon content, please check us out on the following platforms:YouTube (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for informative and inspirational videosInstagram (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for photos from the trailTikTok (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for fun and informative short-form videosFacebook (@GrandCanyonHikerDude)

Mar 11, 202648 min

S3 Ep 103Ep103: BREAKING: Grand Canyon Trail Supervisor Shares First Assessment of North Kaibab

For the first time since last summer’s Dragon Bravo Fire, the National Park Service has spoken in depth about the true condition of the North Kaibab Trail. In this exclusive interview, Grand Canyon Trail Supervisor Adam Gibson shares what he saw firsthand on Upper North Kaibab — debris flows powerful enough to erase stone structures, hydrophobic soils accelerating runoff, and elevated risk that could reshape Rim-to-Rim hiking for years. This is the clearest picture yet of what’s happening behind the scenes, what reopening realistically looks like, and why uncertainty may define the 2025 season. If you care about North Kaibab, this is essential listening.*****Our new hiking packs are here! Our signature Rim2Rim Pack is back, along with the new Canyon Elite 25, which takes the same features that made the Rim2Rim Pack famous — namely its front pockets and insulated hydration pocket — and adds a much-requested hip belt to make it even easier to dial in your fit. Find out more and order yours at hiKin.club. Supplies are limited, so be sure to check it out today.*****Please join Hike Club Grand Canyon on Facebook by clicking here. This is the official group of the Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show, and it's a judgment-free zone full of interaction, information, and inspiration—it's simply THE place to get the best information in advance of your Canyon adventure. Join Brian, Coach Arnie, and most of the guests you've heard on the show in an environment created to answer your questions and help you have the best possible experience below the rim. It's completely free.*****Bright Angel Outfitters is now hiKin, where hiking meets kinship to form a community of like-minded hikers dedicated to helping each other hike our best hike. It's about all of us. *****To reach Coach Arnie, you can call or text him (yes, really!) at (602) 390-9144 or send him a message on Instagram @painfreearnie.*****Have an idea for the show, or someone you think would be a great guest? Reach out to Brian anytime at [email protected].*****The Grand Canyon Shade Tracker is our gift to the Grand Canyon hiking community. This incredible interactive tool lets you see when and where you'll have precious shade on your Grand Canyon hike—every route on every hour of every day of the year. Check it out at gcshadetracker.com. Another free resource from hiKin aimed at making your Grand Canyon adventure the best and safest it can be.*****For more great Grand Canyon content, please check us out on the following platforms:YouTube (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for informative and inspirational videosInstagram (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for photos from the trailTikTok (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for fun and informative short-form videosFacebook (@GrandCanyonHikerDude)

Mar 4, 202655 min

S3 Ep 102Ep102: The South Rim Six Pack Challenge: Are You In?

Come along as Brian attempts the South Rim Six Pack Challenge — hiking the first mile down and back up six different Grand Canyon trails in one day. From Tanner and New Hance to the corridor trails, the episode covers route finding, winter conditions, logistics, and what it really takes to make this kind of challenge work.*****Our new hiking packs are here! Our signature Rim2Rim Pack is back, along with the new Canyon Elite 25, which takes the same features that made the Rim2Rim Pack famous — namely its front pockets and insulated hydration pocket — and adds a much-requested hip belt to make it even easier to dial in your fit. Find out more and order yours at hiKin.club. Supplies are limited, so be sure to check it out today.*****Please join Hike Club Grand Canyon on Facebook by clicking here. This is the official group of the Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show, and it's a judgment-free zone full of interaction, information, and inspiration—it's simply THE place to get the best information in advance of your Canyon adventure. Join Brian, Coach Arnie, and most of the guests you've heard on the show in an environment created to answer your questions and help you have the best possible experience below the rim. It's completely free.*****Bright Angel Outfitters is now hiKin, where hiking meets kinship to form a community of like-minded hikers dedicated to helping each other hike our best hike. It's about all of us. *****To reach Coach Arnie, you can call or text him (yes, really!) at (602) 390-9144 or send him a message on Instagram @painfreearnie.*****Have an idea for the show, or someone you think would be a great guest? Reach out to Brian anytime at [email protected].*****The Grand Canyon Shade Tracker is our gift to the Grand Canyon hiking community. This incredible interactive tool lets you see when and where you'll have precious shade on your Grand Canyon hike—every route on every hour of every day of the year. Check it out at gcshadetracker.com. Another free resource from hiKin aimed at making your Grand Canyon adventure the best and safest it can be.*****For more great Grand Canyon content, please check us out on the following platforms:YouTube (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for informative and inspirational videosInstagram (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for photos from the trailTikTok (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for fun and informative short-form videosFacebook (@GrandCanyonHikerDude)

Feb 25, 202633 min

S3 Ep 101Ep101: Role Reversal: Dr. Myers Turns the Mic on Me — And Asks the Question That Broke Me

This episode is a role reversal.After a Grand Canyon hike, on the drive back to Flagstaff, Dr. Tom Myers (Mr. Grand Canyon) takes over the mic and interviews Brian.There is no trail breakdown, no route discussion, and no gear talk. Instead, Tom asks Brian direct questions and lets the conversation unfold naturally.Topics covered include:How the Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show startedBrian’s background before the podcastAn anecdote involving Charles BarkleyA discussion of Brian's Shark Tank appearanceBrian responding emotionally during part of the conversationThe episode is conversational and unscripted, with Brian answering questions he usually asks others. Sometimes, the best conversations come...are on the drive home.*****Our new hiking packs are here! Our signature Rim2Rim Pack is back, along with the new Canyon Elite 25, which takes the same features that made the Rim2Rim Pack famous — namely its front pockets and insulated hydration pocket — and adds a much-requested hip belt to make it even easier to dial in your fit. Find out more and order yours at hiKin.club. Supplies are limited, so be sure to check it out today.*****Please join Hike Club Grand Canyon on Facebook by clicking here. This is the official group of the Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show, and it's a judgment-free zone full of interaction, information, and inspiration—it's simply THE place to get the best information in advance of your Canyon adventure. Join Brian, Coach Arnie, and most of the guests you've heard on the show in an environment created to answer your questions and help you have the best possible experience below the rim. It's completely free.*****Bright Angel Outfitters is now hiKin, where hiking meets kinship to form a community of like-minded hikers dedicated to helping each other hike our best hike. It's about all of us. *****To reach Coach Arnie, you can call or text him (yes, really!) at (602) 390-9144 or send him a message on Instagram @painfreearnie.*****Have an idea for the show, or someone you think would be a great guest? Reach out to Brian anytime at [email protected].*****The Grand Canyon Shade Tracker is our gift to the Grand Canyon hiking community. This incredible interactive tool lets you see when and where you'll have precious shade on your Grand Canyon hike—every route on every hour of every day of the year. Check it out at gcshadetracker.com. Another free resource from hiKin aimed at making your Grand Canyon adventure the best and safest it can be.*****For more great Grand Canyon content, please check us out on the following platforms:YouTube (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for informative and inspirational videosInstagram (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for photos from the trailTikTok (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for fun and informative short-form videosFacebook (@GrandCanyonHikerDude)

Feb 18, 202643 min

S3 Ep 100Ep100: A First Big Grand Canyon Hike At 77

Be ready to be inspired. Recorded on a South Kaibab Rim-to-River hike, this episode follows Jerry Crank as he completes his first big Grand Canyon hike at 77 years old, alongside his son Jeff. Jerry talks about training, pacing, heart-rate management, weight loss, and what it took to climb back out the same day.*****Our new hiking packs are here! Our signature Rim2Rim Pack is back, along with the new Canyon Elite 25, which takes the same features that made the Rim2Rim Pack famous — namely its front pockets and insulated hydration pocket — and adds a much-requested hip belt to make it even easier to dial in your fit. Find out more and order yours at hiKin.club. Supplies are limited, so be sure to check it out today.*****Please join Hike Club Grand Canyon on Facebook by clicking here. This is the official group of the Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show, and it's a judgment-free zone full of interaction, information, and inspiration—it's simply THE place to get the best information in advance of your Canyon adventure. Join Brian, Coach Arnie, and most of the guests you've heard on the show in an environment created to answer your questions and help you have the best possible experience below the rim. It's completely free.*****Bright Angel Outfitters is now hiKin, where hiking meets kinship to form a community of like-minded hikers dedicated to helping each other hike our best hike. It's about all of us. *****To reach Coach Arnie, you can call or text him (yes, really!) at (602) 390-9144 or send him a message on Instagram @painfreearnie.*****Have an idea for the show, or someone you think would be a great guest? Reach out to Brian anytime at [email protected].*****The Grand Canyon Shade Tracker is our gift to the Grand Canyon hiking community. This incredible interactive tool lets you see when and where you'll have precious shade on your Grand Canyon hike—every route on every hour of every day of the year. Check it out at gcshadetracker.com. Another free resource from hiKin aimed at making your Grand Canyon adventure the best and safest it can be.*****For more great Grand Canyon content, please check us out on the following platforms:YouTube (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for informative and inspirational videosInstagram (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for photos from the trailTikTok (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for fun and informative short-form videosFacebook (@GrandCanyonHikerDude)

Feb 11, 202649 min