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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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

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