PCT Meltdowns, Side Quests, & Animal Encounters, and Traveling to 56 Countries with Michael "Broadway" Grant (BPR #375)

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by onX Backcountry and LMNT, we are joined by Michael "Broadway" Grant, a world traveler who has visited 56 countries, cycled across America, and is currently daily-vlogging his way through the PCT. In this one, Broadway dives into getting bitten in the face by a six-pound chihuahua while hitching a ride to PCT Trail Days, his terrifying pitch-black 11:00 PM alpine start up Mount Whitney's snow chutes, and his infamous "Day 50" meltdown in the Sierra, where he melted a carbon trekking pole, burned holes through his sleeping bag, found two more in his tent, and sobbed on camera. We also cover his epic Yosemite side quest featuring last-minute Half Dome permits and hot-tubbing with a park employee, how losing his mother to brain cancer shaped his reasons for being out here, and his hot takes on why catholes beat toilets and why ultralight gear isn't a requirement for thriving on trail. We wrap the show with Pegleg's tips for covering bigger miles and a shout-out to Trek blogger Brock "Dubs" Miller finishing on Katahdin, a Question of the Day on the absolute worst things we've ever smelled, a Triple Crown of the most annoyed professions in existence, and we give news on a new job opening at The Trek. OnX Backcountry: Use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. Gossamer Gear: Use code "BPR10" for 10% off shelters at gossamergear.com.  Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% off at hyperlitemountaingear.com 57 Hours: Use code "TREK100" for $100 off your booking at 57hours.com [divider] Interview with Michael "Broadway" Grant Michael's Instagram Michael's Trek Author page Time stamps & Questions 00:06:55 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, take the 2026 AT Thru-Hiker survey, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon! 00:13:04 - Introducing Broadway 00:16:45 - How has working through your thru-hike impacted the experience? 00:17:54 - Tell us about getting bitten in the face by a chihuahua 00:22:14 - Tell us about quitting your job to travel the world for 13 months 00:25:58 - Discussion about the Camino de Santiago and West Highland Way 00:30:13 - How did you get into long distance cycling across America? 00:32:10 - Fuck, marry, kill: thru-hiking, cycling, and adventure travel 00:34:59 - Tell us about the start of your PCT thru-hike 00:38:48 - What's it been like growing your following on Instagram? 00:43:46 -