Dec 7, 2021
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.
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Enlightened Equipment: Save 10% off Enlightened Equipment’s Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket with code “trek10” here.
[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]
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